The hottest Epidemiology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Mass shootings outnumber annual days in U.S., children are missing school due to measles, Covid-19 is peeping around the corner, and some hope

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1633 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Mass shootings in the U.S. are happening more than once per day and represent a widespread, preventable public‑health crisis that evidence shows can be reduced with stricter firearm policies.
  2. Respiratory illnesses are surging: flu is rising among children (with low vaccination rates and early pediatric deaths reported) and Covid‑19 is increasing in parts of the country, so masking in crowded indoor spaces, testing when appropriate, staying home while sick, and staying up to date on vaccines can help protect others.
  3. Measles outbreaks are growing, causing many cases and hundreds of children to miss school, and vaccination plus following local public‑health guidance is the key way to stop these outbreaks.

The changing (and perhaps surprising) geography of diabetes

Sustainability by numbers • 427 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Diabetes is rising much faster in South Asia, parts of Africa, the Middle East and some Pacific islands than in Europe or North America, with countries like Pakistan showing some of the highest age‑standardised rates.
  2. Rising overweight and obesity — even where undernutrition still exists — is the main modifiable driver of type II diabetes, and these increases have been rapid in many low‑ and middle‑income countries.
  3. Certain ethnic groups, especially South Asians, develop diabetes at lower BMIs because they tend to carry more visceral fat. That means modest weight gain leads to much higher risk, and many cases stay undiagnosed or untreated as health systems struggle to keep up.

Who are you?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 810 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. A long-running public health newsletter has a big, engaged audience and is asking readers to take an annual survey to help shape future coverage.
  2. Survey respondents are mostly from North America and Australia, skew 45–64 years old, are highly educated, and many act as trusted messengers who share information with family, colleagues, and communities.
  3. Readers still want infectious disease coverage but are increasingly interested in public health communication and misinformation, news analysis, climate-related health, and issues like mental health, opioids, and reproductive health, and the newsletter aims to broaden topics and reach younger and more politically diverse readers.

Fall vaccination rates are down, flu takes off, the U.S. is not Denmark, ICE’s negative impact on health, and more.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1454 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Vaccination rates in the U.S. are dropping, with fewer people getting both COVID-19 and flu shots compared to last year. This could lead to more severe health issues this winter, so getting vaccinated is still important.
  2. Fear of immigration enforcement is keeping immigrant families from accessing necessary healthcare. Many are avoiding medical visits and putting off surgeries, which is harmful to their health and well-being.
  3. The U.S. healthcare system is very different from Denmark's, so copying their vaccination schedule might not work here. Health outcomes depend on many factors, not just vaccines, and many of those factors are not as strong in the U.S.

A rough flu season may be taking shape

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1922 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. This flu season might get tough. A new flu strain has mutated, making vaccines less effective, so getting your flu shot is crucial.
  2. There's a rise in infant botulism cases linked to a baby formula. Parents should stop using any ByHeart products and keep an eye on their babies for symptoms.
  3. Canada lost its measles elimination status, which could affect the U.S. too. It's a reminder about the importance of vaccinations for everyone, especially for protecting young kids.
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Pit Bulls Part I: Identification

Cremieux Recueil • 567 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🔬 Science Epidemiology
  1. Pit bulls are a recognizable type of dog with a consistent, stout muscular build and behavioral traits like high gameness and persistence that come from their bull‑and‑terrier fighting ancestry.
  2. People can reliably identify pit bull–type dogs by sight; studies and large public classification tests show high accuracy, and accuracy rises as pit ancestry increases.
  3. Arguments that pit bulls can’t be identified or that they were bred to be non‑aggressive toward humans are unsupported, and common patterns of misclassification tend to hide or downplay—rather than inflate—the elevated risks tied to pit bull type dogs.

The Lockdown Disaster: Massive European Study Vindicates Sweden’s Common-Sense Pandemic Response

Unmasked • 62 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Lockdowns were a disastrous, expert-driven policy rooted in flawed reports and a break from established pandemic plans, and they caused widespread harm.
  2. A major European study supports Sweden’s less-restrictive approach, suggesting heavy-handed measures like lockdowns and prolonged mandates did not deliver the expected public health benefits.
  3. Policies such as mask mandates, vaccine passports, and school closures have had long-term social consequences, yet there has been little sustained effort to fully evaluate whether those measures were truly effective.

What to expect from this week's U.S. vaccine meeting

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1372 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. The U.S. vaccine meeting will focus on the Hepatitis B vaccine and the childhood immunization schedule. The only vote will be about maintaining the birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine for infants.
  2. Many misleading claims about vaccines might arise during the meeting, but there's a lot of solid evidence supporting the current vaccination schedule's safety and effectiveness. Knowing the facts can help people respond to misinformation.
  3. It's important to understand how the vaccine schedule was created and why children receive vaccines at specific times. This schedule helps protect children from serious infections when they are most vulnerable.

The Updated Red Meat Story

Ground Truths • 13516 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Eating a lot of red meat can be linked to health issues like heart problems and cancer. Plant-based diets are usually better for overall health.
  2. Studies show that eating more plant-based foods can help balance the risks from red meat. Even small changes can make a difference in gut health.
  3. Replacing red meat with healthier options like nuts or legumes may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Why CDC health data are still reliable

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1068 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Local hospitals and state health departments collect, clean, and verify cases before sending final numbers to CDC. Because CDC mainly stitches those state pieces together rather than controlling raw inputs, the underlying data remain largely reliable.
  2. Communications and some scientific materials have been weakened by edits, removed content, and staff cuts, which has sharply reduced alerts and public-facing messaging. That makes it harder for clinicians and the public to get timely guidance even if the data are sound.
  3. Automation like genetic sequencing and algorithms helps detect outbreaks, but human investigators and adequate funding are still essential, and current layoffs and budget cuts threaten response capacity. Non‑federal groups and regional coalitions are stepping in, but they can’t fully replace the federal agency’s scale and authority.

Bullets in the windows

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3103 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Public health workers are facing serious threats and violence, including a recent shooting at their workplace that highlights the dangers they encounter in their jobs.
  2. Despite ongoing attacks and fear, these workers continue to dedicate themselves to protecting communities and improving health, driven by their care for the future and their neighbors.
  3. There is a need for society to acknowledge the sacrifices of public health professionals and to create a safer environment that values and supports their vital work.

Yes, mRNA Vaccines Work—&, It Appears, Work Much Better than I Thought

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 315 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. mRNA COVID-19 vaccines greatly lower the risk of dying from COVID and are associated with about a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality.
  2. The reduction in non‑COVID deaths is unlikely to be just selection bias; by preventing infections and long‑COVID harms across cardiovascular, thrombotic, metabolic, and neurological systems, vaccination likely reduces the lingering metabolic and inflammatory burden that raises other causes of death.
  3. Vaccine hesitancy has real costs: with about one‑fifth of people unvaccinated, adults aged 19–64 who skip mRNA vaccines face a substantially higher annual death risk (roughly 0.12% higher), implying many preventable deaths.

Breaking echo chambers, white-label resources, and this month’s top science picks

Your Local Epidemiologist • 625 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. There’s growing investment in infrastructure to connect institutions, experts, and the public for better health communication. A new social-media program has launched with support from parent advocates.
  2. White-label scientific briefs are now available so people can share evidence with decision-makers under their own branding. The latest downloadable guide focuses on community water fluoridation.
  3. Five recent studies were highlighted, including a rise in parents refusing newborn vitamin K shots and notable oral GLP-1 trial results. These findings are being tracked because they could affect clinical choices and public health messaging.

My promise to you

Your Local Epidemiologist • 6868 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. The goal is to provide clear, evidence-based health information, not to add to the noise of social media. This platform is designed to help you make informed decisions for your health.
  2. Transparency is key, and it’s important to understand what the science says and what it means for you. It's okay to admit when we don’t know something and to clarify the difference between data and opinions.
  3. Public health is about people, not just statistics. Every issue will be approached with empathy to consider the real human impact behind the numbers.

England's ongoing Covid wave and new Long Covid research

Independent SAGE continues • 359 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. England is experiencing a new wave of Covid-19, which has been ongoing and affecting many people's lives and plans.
  2. Recent research shows that being vaccinated significantly lowers the risk of developing Long Covid, but it's still a concern for a large number of people.
  3. Even with a lower chance of Long Covid now, frequent Covid waves mean that many people continue to suffer from long-term symptoms and disruption in their daily lives.

Declassified Documents Link U.S. Bioweapons Program to Lyme Disease Outbreak

Who is Robert Malone • 27 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Declassified records and witness accounts show large-scale military arthropod programs and outdoor testing, including releases and tracking of hundreds of thousands of ticks and alleged operational deployments of infected ticks.
  2. Crucial scientific findings about co-infections (the so‑called “Swiss Agent”) were suppressed for decades, which may have hidden contributors to persistent Lyme illness and hampered treatment and research.
  3. Convergent genomic, environmental, operational, and behavioral evidence casts doubt on a purely natural origin of the Lyme epidemic and underscores the need for full declassification, independent investigation, and stronger transparency and oversight.

Is the current Covid wave in England peaking?

Independent SAGE continues • 439 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Covid cases in England might be peaking now, as recent hospital admissions have been flat. This wave is bigger than last May's but lower than previous peaks.
  2. The KP.3 variant is currently dominant in England. While it can evade some immunity, it doesn't seem to cause more severe illness.
  3. Improving indoor air quality and monitoring wastewater for viruses could help manage Covid and other infections. The government needs a better plan for future pandemics, including research on Long Covid.

What’s the plan for fall vaccines? If you're confused, you're not alone.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2119 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. This year, there is a lot of confusion around fall vaccines because key decisions that usually happen aren't taking place. Experts are worried this could affect how easily people can get vaccinated.
  2. The FDA hasn't made clear recommendations for the Covid-19 vaccine, and this could limit who gets access. Many people might have a harder time getting the vaccine than in previous years.
  3. Although some vaccines are ready, there's still uncertainty about who will be eligible and whether insurers will cover the costs for everyone. Staying informed and advocating for yourself and others is important.

Flu still hanging on

Force of Infection • 61 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Influenza activity remains stubbornly high across much of the country, driven by the South and Midwest. Young children have the highest outpatient ILI rates, and Flu B is rising as Flu A wanes.
  2. Norovirus test positivity has reached season highs, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, while RSV activity is holding steady. COVID-19 activity and hospitalizations are relatively low and declining.
  3. Numerous food recalls affect many products and stores, so check your pantry, and public health concerns include a large measles resurgence tied to low vaccination and an avian flu outbreak in Pennsylvania poultry.

The Biological Argument against LNT

Gordian Knot News • 183 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🔬 Science Epidemiology
  1. DNA is fragile and gets damaged thousands of times per cell every day, but cells have powerful, diverse repair systems that undo most of that damage, so you can’t assume radiation damage is simply cumulative and unrepairable.
  2. The LNT model stays dominant by leaning on noisy exposure data and rhetorical traps that shift the argument away from biology, allowing critics to be boxed into defending vague "safe dose" ideas instead of disproving the model; clear counterexamples (like the radium dial painter cases) contradict LNT.
  3. To replace LNT we must focus on the biology, use strong, high-dose or distinct-exposure counterexamples, avoid vague safety rhetoric, and adopt a well-defined, computable harm model that accounts for DNA repair.

Flu goes on and on

Force of Infection • 80 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Flu activity remains high and isn’t declining yet; young children and people aged 5–24 are seeing the most clinic visits, and hospitalizations are elevated though slowly improving.
  2. RSV and norovirus activity are elevated — RSV hospitalizations are very high among infants and toddlers, and norovirus is circulating widely and spreads quickly in close quarters.
  3. Multiple food recalls and outbreaks are ongoing, including a Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa capsules that involves an extensively drug‑resistant strain; throw out affected products and clean anything that touched them.

Covid-19 vaccines, what just happened at the FDA, and why it matters

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3078 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. The FDA has changed Covid-19 vaccine guidelines, now recommending them only for people over 65 or those with chronic conditions. This means younger, healthy adults might not get access to vaccines soon.
  2. Normally, big health decisions follow a clear process involving many experts and public discussions. But this recent change was made by just a few appointed officials without involving the usual expert groups.
  3. Many believe this new approach is worrying because it skips the detailed, evidence-based discussions that are important for public health decisions.

LNT is not quite the "No Repair" Model

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🔬 Science Epidemiology
  1. Allowing proportional DNA repair doesn't save the Linear No‑Threshold (LNT) model, because if cancer mainly arises from closely spaced double‑strand breaks, risk does not track total dose alone and can grow faster than linearly.
  2. If repair takes time, higher dose rates increase the inventory of unrepaired double‑strand breaks and the probability of two breaks clustering rises roughly with the square (or higher power) of dose rate, producing a nonlinear (steeper) risk response.
  3. Biologically, single‑strand breaks are fixed with very high fidelity, but double‑strand breaks can be misrepaired by joining wrong ends; those misrepairs (especially paired or closely spaced DSBs) are the likely mechanism for radiation‑induced cancer, so dose rate and break clustering matter.

Covid Situation Report: Jul 18, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 279 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Covid cases are rising again in England, especially among older people. This suggests that the virus is still active and not just a seasonal illness.
  2. Hospital admissions for Covid are also increasing and approaching the levels seen during last winter's peak. This means the healthcare system could face more pressure soon.
  3. Despite fewer deaths from Covid compared to last year, there has been a recent increase in fatalities. It's crucial to stay cautious and follow health guidelines to minimize risks.

Covid-19 wimpy wave is here, corn sweats, SSRIs, the optimal number of steps, and more

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1864 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Covid-19 cases are rising a bit, but it's not as bad as last summer. Most people are still catching common colds instead.
  2. This summer brings 'corn sweat' because of humidity from cornfields, making it feel hotter. Staying hydrated and avoiding heat can help prevent heat-related illnesses.
  3. Walking about 7,000 steps a day can improve health significantly, and it's better than aiming for the old goal of 10,000 steps. Just getting up and moving can make a big difference!

Can we use alpha particle exposures to falsify LNT?

Gordian Knot News • 124 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🔬 Science Epidemiology
  1. Observed human data show a clear dose-rate effect: acute high doses increase cancer around 100–300 mSv, while chronic exposures below about 20 mSv/day have not reliably produced cancer even at cumulative doses above 100,000 mSv, which contradicts a simple LNT prediction.
  2. Per unit energy absorbed, radiation produces similar numbers of double strand breaks because damage mainly comes from ROS, but alpha particles deposit energy very locally, creating clustered DSBs that are much more likely to misrepair and cause cancer, so alpha exposures are a strong test of dose–response.
  3. Cancer risk depends on misrepair of closely spaced DSBs and on DNA repair dynamics, so linear damage plus proportional repair does not imply a linear dose–response; models and regulation need to account for dose rate and spatial clustering rather than relying solely on cumulative dose.

Measles reaches highest number since elimination. Start of a Covid wave? Incoming Medicaid cuts, GAVI, and some good news

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1988 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Measles cases in the U.S. have hit their highest level since it was declared eliminated in 2000. This is mostly due to falling vaccination rates, as measles is extremely contagious.
  2. There are signs of a possible Covid-19 summer wave, particularly in states like Nevada and Texas. Factors like indoor gatherings and waning immunity could contribute to this increase.
  3. Recent Medicaid cuts could affect millions, leading to a loss of coverage for many people. It's important to inform and support those in need as these changes roll out.

Vaccine policy meeting: The essentials

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2040 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Flu shots are recommended for everyone over 6 months, but some types might not be used due to misinformation about a preservative called thimerosal. Understanding what's safe is important for public trust in vaccines.
  2. New options for RSV protection are available this fall, including a vaccine for pregnant women and a monoclonal antibody for infants. This gives families more choices to protect their little ones from serious illnesses.
  3. COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be available, but there are many unanswered questions about who will qualify for them and how much they will cost. It's crucial for health leaders to provide clear information to avoid confusion.

RFK Jr. guts the U.S. vaccine policy committee

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2249 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed all members of the U.S. vaccine policy committee, which has been a trusted part of vaccine safety and recommendations for decades.
  2. The change raises concerns about who will be appointed next and whether they will rely on scientific evidence or personal beliefs to guide vaccine policy.
  3. If vaccine recommendations change or lose credibility, it could affect insurance coverage, access to vaccines for children, and create inconsistent state policies that may risk public health.

Covid-19, mosquitos, hand foot and mouth surging, kinder vaccination rates, Vaccine Injury program at risk and more

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1414 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Covid-19 cases are going up, especially among infants. We might see more hospital visits as many haven't been infected in a while.
  2. There's a rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease, particularly affecting young children. Parents should be aware of the symptoms and how it spreads.
  3. Vaccination rates for kindergartners are down in 20 states, possibly leading to more outbreaks of diseases like measles. It's important to stay up to date on vaccinations.

A week of chaos in public health

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3907 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. There has been a major pause in public health communications and research, which could lead to delays in tackling important health threats like bird flu.
  2. The changes in public health leadership could have serious impacts on funding for research and the health safety systems that protect communities.
  3. Despite the chaos, local public health teams are still crucial and will keep working to ensure community health, showing that public health is about more than just federal leadership.

Outbreak Outlook - National - February 1

Force of Infection • 94 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Flu has started to rebound after weeks of decline, driven mainly by increases in school-age children and a rise in influenza B, though overall activity and hospitalizations remain well below the recent peak and influenza A still makes up most cases.
  2. COVID-19 indicators are generally declining — wastewater and ED visits are down and hospitalizations are low — but the Midwest is seeing very high wastewater levels and regional differences persist.
  3. RSV is at quite elevated levels and growing in parts of the country while norovirus trends are mixed regionally, and public health attention is also on multiple food recalls and a Nipah outbreak in India; a partial U.S. government shutdown could disrupt CDC surveillance reporting.

Covid-19 in pockets, sugar cane isn't better, ticks march on, rescission cuts (vs. everything else), bright spots, and more

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1442 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Covid-19 cases are rising in some parts of the U.S., especially in Texas and Florida. It's important to wear masks in crowded places to protect yourself and others.
  2. Ticks are a growing concern this summer, with a rise in emergency room visits. To stay safe, wear protective clothing and use tick repellent when outdoors.
  3. Recent studies show that aluminum in vaccines does not cause chronic illnesses, so there’s no need to worry about it. Vaccines remain an important tool for public health.

Outbreak Outlook - National - February 8

Force of Infection • 71 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Influenza is widespread across most states and remains especially high in young children, though emergency visits and hospitalizations have been falling recently.
  2. COVID-19 activity is roughly steady overall, with wastewater signals and regional trends rising in the Midwest and Northeast while hospitalizations continue to decline.
  3. RSV and several other respiratory viruses are elevated and climbing. Norovirus activity is high nationwide and a measles outbreak in Jalisco raises travel-related risks for the upcoming World Cup.

It's not just about measles

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1515 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Measles outbreaks signal deeper issues beyond just the disease. They show a loss of trust in public health and science, which affects vaccination rates.
  2. The public health system is under strain with declining resources, making it harder to contain these outbreaks and protect communities.
  3. To address vaccination hesitancy, it's important to communicate with empathy and understanding. Connecting through stories and relationships can help rebuild trust.

Covid Situation Report: Jul 11, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Covid case rates and hospital admissions are stabilizing, but they are still higher than May's figures. It looks like the peak may have passed, but caution is needed.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign had lower vaccine coverage compared to previous campaigns, especially among vulnerable groups. This means more people might be at risk.
  3. Long Covid remains a concern for everyone, and it's important to take safety measures like self-isolating and wearing masks if you're feeling unwell.

Body as a shell

Your Local Epidemiologist • 4557 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. RFK Jr. has been picked to lead the Health and Human Services, which worries many public health professionals. They feel this could undermine efforts to improve public health.
  2. There is a strong concern that misinformation will spread, leading people to make poor health decisions. The fear is that lies can spread faster than the truth.
  3. Despite feelings of exhaustion and frustration, public health workers remain committed to fighting misinformation. They believe it's important to keep providing accurate information to help people make informed choices.

The AstraZeneca vaccine saved millions of lives – it should not be demonised

Independent SAGE continues • 479 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. The AstraZeneca vaccine played a crucial role in saving millions of lives during the pandemic. It was affordable and easy to distribute, especially in poorer countries.
  2. Although there were concerns about rare side effects like blood clots, these issues were quickly identified and monitored. The benefits of the vaccine far outweighed the risks.
  3. Now, there are newer vaccines that are safer and easier to update for new variants. This doesn't take away from the important impact the AZ vaccine had in 2021.