The hottest Epidemiology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 9

Force of Infection • 53 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Health Policy Outbreaks Epidemiology
  1. There is an increase in influenza-like illnesses, especially among young children. Outpatient visits for these symptoms have gone up recently.
  2. COVID-19 activity remains low across the country, but there are signs it could pick up soon in certain regions. Hospitalizations are currently at the lowest levels of the past year.
  3. Norovirus cases are on the rise, with the highest rates in the West. It's important to keep washing your hands to stay healthy.

Revenge of the nerds: Will my new method for assessing vaccine safety put the scientific community to shame?

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Safety Public Health Scientific Method Epidemiology Health Policy
  1. A new method suggests a simple way to assess vaccine safety by comparing death rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. This approach could challenge traditional methods used by scientists.
  2. If this method is correct, it could mean that COVID vaccines caused more harm than good, contradicting the idea that vaccines are always safe and effective.
  3. There may be reluctance in the scientific community to accept this method because it comes from someone outside their field, which highlights the challenges of accepting new ideas and changing established beliefs.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 24

Force of Infection • 59 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Vaccination Epidemiology
  1. Influenza-like illness is rising, especially in young children, as we approach the busy holiday season. It's expected to hit the national baseline soon.
  2. COVID-19 activity is currently low across the country, with minimal emergency department visits and hospitalizations remaining low.
  3. As Thanksgiving approaches, be cautious about norovirus transmission, especially when preparing food for others. It's best to avoid cooking for others for a few days after being sick.
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How can the number of deaths go down?

Force of Infection • 46 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology Public Health Infection Control Data Reporting
  1. The number of reported deaths can change a lot during disease outbreaks. This usually happens because health officials are constantly updating their definitions of what counts as a case.
  2. When investigating an outbreak, new information can refine the case definitions. This means some earlier counts may go down as they find more accurate cases.
  3. Different reports might count cases in various ways, leading to inconsistent numbers. Some reports include all suspected cases, while others only look at confirmed ones.

State of Affairs: Feb 22

Your Local Epidemiologist • 904 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Epidemiology Vaccines Diseases
  1. Influenza-like illnesses are still prevalent, especially among children, and the season could continue until April or May.
  2. COVID-19 levels in wastewater are high nationally, with a strange pattern in the South, but hospitalizations remain lower than last year.
  3. Flu hospitalizations are stable, RSV cases are decreasing, and there is concern about a rising number of measles cases across several states.

What lessons can we learn from the Autumn Booster Campaign?

Independent SAGE continues • 179 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare policy
  1. The initial Covid vaccination program worked well for older populations, but younger groups and ethnic minorities got less attention and support. We need to keep looking for ways to involve everyone.
  2. Booster vaccination rates are falling, especially among immunocompromised individuals and younger age groups. We must find better ways to encourage these communities to get vaccinated.
  3. Only a small percentage of NHS workers received the latest booster, which is worrying given their higher risk of exposure. It's important to ensure healthcare staff are protected so they can continue to care for others.

ACIP Cliff notes: Feb 28

Your Local Epidemiologist • 853 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines COVID-19 Epidemiology Public Health
  1. CDC recommends older adults receive a second Covid-19 vaccine in the spring, especially those over 65.
  2. The majority of people hospitalized for Covid-19 were not up-to-date on their annual vaccine, with specific risk factors common among them.
  3. Vaccine coverage challenges in the US stem from concerns like unknown side effects, lack of trust, and physician recommendations.

Introducing the Kirsch Cumulative Outcomes Ratio (KCOR) analysis: A powerful yet simple new technique for accurately assessing the impact of any intervention on any outcome

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 18 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Epidemiology Data science
  1. The KCOR method is a new, simple technique to analyze how different interventions, like vaccines, affect outcomes such as mortality. It uses basic data like date of birth, date of death, and vaccination date to provide clear results.
  2. The analysis suggests that COVID vaccines may have increased mortality rates, indicating the vaccines could be more harmful than helpful. This counters many previous claims about the vaccines saving lives.
  3. KCOR is designed to be objective and straightforward, allowing for accurate comparisons without needing complex data adjustments, making it a powerful tool for understanding health interventions.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 11

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy
  1. Covid-19 levels are low in most areas, but there are still slight increases, especially in the Midwest. Make sure you're keeping an eye on your health and any symptoms.
  2. Influenza-like illness is starting to rise, particularly in young children, as we move into flu season. If you haven't gotten your flu vaccine yet, now is a good time to do so.
  3. Norovirus is currently higher in some regions, but it has dropped slightly overall. It's a reminder to keep practicing good hygiene, especially during this time of year.

State of Affairs: March 12

Your Local Epidemiologist • 768 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology Vaccines Diseases Public Health Preventive measures
  1. Measles cases are increasing, with outbreaks across various regions, underscoring the importance of vaccination and public health measures.
  2. Norovirus is surging in the Northern Hemisphere, causing stomach cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea, emphasizing the need for preventive measures like handwashing and surface cleaning.
  3. The flu season, particularly driven by flu strain B, has been moderate this year, highlighting the potential impact of political influences on vaccine uptake and the importance of public health efforts.

ACIP Cliff Notes: Feb 29 (RSV)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 783 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Public Health Epidemiology
  1. Real-world data showed a true safety signal for the RSV older adult vaccine, particularly after the Pfizer vaccine.
  2. The benefits of the RSV vaccine still outweigh the risks for older adults, preventing significant illness and hospitalizations.
  3. Moderna is introducing an RSV vaccine using mRNA, offering a different platform with potential advantages for safety.

Two cautionary tales about BA.2.86

Logging the World • 478 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🔬 Science Research Epidemiology Vaccines Public Health
  1. Don't just look at proportions, consider sample sizes too. Confidence intervals are important when dealing with limited data.
  2. Focus on the bigger picture when it comes to analyzing new variants. Growth rates matter.
  3. Instead of fixating on one variant, keep an eye on other potentially impactful variants as well. The situation is constantly evolving.

BA.2.86 growth rates

Logging the World • 418 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🔬 Science Statistics Genetics Epidemiology Research Mathematics
  1. New COVID variant BA.2.86 has mutations that suggest fast growth, but estimating its growth rate is tricky.
  2. Statisticians use models and likelihood functions to estimate parameters like growth rates, but uncertainty exists in the estimates.
  3. The work of statistician C.R. Rao, like the Fisher information, shows fundamental limits to parameter estimation and the role of geometry in statistics.

Outbreak Outlook - October 21

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy
  1. Covid-19 cases are low nationally, but there might be a slight increase in the Northeast. Hospitalizations are at a low level across the country.
  2. Norovirus is increasing in rates, especially in the South where it has reached higher levels than in the last two years.
  3. Influenza-like illnesses are up slightly, particularly among young children, but overall activity remains low.

RFK Jr. And The Samoan Measles Outbreak

Who is Robert Malone • 23 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Health Policy Epidemiology Medical Ethics
  1. The Samoan measles outbreak of 2019 is often blamed on low vaccination rates, but evidence suggests other factors may have contributed to the high death toll.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised important questions about the outbreak, which were ignored by many critics who painted him as an anti-vaxxer.
  3. Detailed investigations into vaccine safety and efficacy are necessary to prevent future public health crises and ensure transparent healthcare practices.

Is the Current Bird Flu Made in America?

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Policy Impact
  1. Current claims suggest the bird flu H5N1 strain might have been created in U.S. laboratories, but there is no solid evidence to support this idea. It's important to understand that these assertions are largely based on hypotheses and still need more investigation.
  2. The publication that stirred these claims had a very quick review process, which raises concerns about the thoroughness of the research. It highlights the need for careful scrutiny before drawing conclusions from such studies.
  3. The authors of the original claims lack specialized training in virology, making their statements even more questionable. It underscores the importance of relying on experts who are truly qualified in the field when discussing public health issues.

Outbreak Outlook - October 7

Force of Infection • 73 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Epidemiology
  1. Flu activity is low across the country, especially among young children. Only a small percentage of doctor visits are for flu-like symptoms.
  2. Covid-19 cases are on the decline, with fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations in many regions. Wastewater data shows a calming trend in most areas.
  3. Norovirus cases are rising, particularly in the Southern region, with test positivity increasing. It's important to stay updated on food recalls related to health risks.

BRB

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1068 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology Public Health Well-being
  1. Katelyn Jetelina is taking a two-week break to recharge before the busy respiratory season.
  2. During her break, she plans to enjoy puzzles, books, crosswords, and time in national parks with her toddlers.
  3. She is looking for nonfiction book recommendations that are not related to public health for her downtime.

How Effective Are Vaccines Targeted To Respiratory Viruses?

Unmasked • 50 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Policy Debate Media influence Epidemiology
  1. The media and some leaders push a strong message that everyone should get vaccinated against respiratory viruses. This view has become widely accepted, even if it might not be entirely based on evidence.
  2. Many claims about the consequences of not getting vaccinated, like severe illness and death, turned out to be exaggerated. This raises questions about the truth behind the common vaccination messaging.
  3. There is a growing concern that the push for universal vaccination against all respiratory viruses may be an overreach, not fully supported by scientific evidence about their effectiveness.

URGENT: Cancer deaths rose in Japan in 2022 and 2023, post-mRNA Covid shots

Unreported Truths • 43 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Cancer Research Epidemiology
  1. In Japan, cancer deaths rose by about 12,000 more than expected in 2022 and 2023. This increase is small but considered statistically significant.
  2. Leukemia was the type of cancer that had the highest increase in deaths, showing an 8% rise each year. The timing of this rise coincided with the rollout of mRNA Covid vaccines.
  3. While researchers can't definitively link the rise in cancer deaths to the vaccines, they stressed the need for a thorough investigation due to the patterns observed.

Outbreak Outlook - October 14

Force of Infection • 54 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Health Policy Health Communication
  1. Covid-19 cases are decreasing across the country, with many states reporting low activity, especially in the Western region.
  2. Norovirus is on the rise, particularly in the South, and it can cause stomach pain and vomiting. Good hand hygiene is important to prevent its spread.
  3. Colds and respiratory viruses are becoming more common as the cold season starts, so it's important to stay vigilant about hygiene and health.

On the Origins of Type 1 Diabetes

Eat Shit and Prosper • 439 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Research Autoimmune Disorders Public Health Epidemiology Disease Prevention
  1. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually starts early in life and is linked to specific genetic and environmental factors.
  2. The incidence of T1D is rising globally, but it varies greatly by location and doesn't correlate strongly with typical factors like income or race. Scientists suspect that certain infections, especially with bacteria like Legionella, might trigger the disease in genetically susceptible individuals.
  3. Research suggests that exposure to Legionella bacteria might confuse the immune system, leading it to attack the pancreas. This means that cleaning up contaminated water systems could be key in reducing new T1D cases.

Happy Thanksgiving! And let's all give thanks that Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is about to run the National Institutes of Health

Unreported Truths • 85 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Epidemiology Medical Ethics
  1. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is set to lead the National Institutes of Health, and he is known for being a scientist who values debate and open discussion.
  2. His early research on Covid suggested that the infection rate was higher than reported, which led to questioning the strict lockdown measures that were put in place.
  3. Hopefully, Bhattacharya's leadership will foster a culture of openness in scientific inquiry, allowing for diverse perspectives and research to be explored.

Do masks work?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1068 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Education Public Health Epidemiology Medical Science Disease Prevention
  1. The science around masks is complex, with considerations like the type of mask, disease, social context, and transmission period.
  2. Research shows masks can be effective in reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 at both an individual and population level.
  3. The effectiveness of masks is influenced by factors like compliance, type of mask, and social setting, requiring a nuanced approach to policies and recommendations.

September 7, 2023 - Riding the Covid Wave

Frank’s Alabama COVID Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccines Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare
  1. Alabama is experiencing a significant increase in weekly hospital admissions due to Covid-19.
  2. Vaccination is crucial in minimizing the risk of severe Covid cases, especially with new variants emerging.
  3. New and improved Covid-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer show promising responses against highly mutated variants.

kitten corner: CDC ya later

bad cattitude • 197 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Epidemiology Public Health
  1. The post discusses the delay in 'experts' realizing what 'amateurs' had known for a while, raising questions about other areas of expertise.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of questioning and thinking critically about information, even when it comes from supposed experts.
  3. The post prompts readers to consider the evolving nature of knowledge and the value of diverse perspectives.

On the Origins of Multiple Sclerosis

Eat Shit and Prosper • 479 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology Pharmacology Microbiology Public Health
  1. Taking antibiotics might increase your risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies from Denmark show that anyone who gets a prescription for antibiotics has a higher chance of being diagnosed with MS later.
  2. There is a potential connection between certain bacteria in our gut and MS. One particular bacteria, _Clostridium perfringens_, may produce a toxin that damages the cells responsible for protecting nerves in the brain.
  3. Understanding MS as a complex interaction between bacteria, antibiotics, and the immune system can lead to new treatments. There are even hopes for using therapies like fecal transplants or targeted therapies to help those suffering from MS.

Are social media bad for mental health? It's the wrong question.

An Educated Guess • 174 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Epidemiology Social media Public Health Wellbeing
  1. The impact of social media on mental health is a complex issue that cannot be simplified to a dose-response relationship.
  2. The understanding of social media's effect on mental health can benefit from incorporating different epidemiological paradigms like sanitation, infection, chronic disease, and eco-epidemiology.
  3. Social media is not just a risk factor but an environment that plays a crucial role in shaping various behaviors and experiences, especially for young people.

Reminder: regional editions start Monday

Force of Infection • 28 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Health Updates Epidemiology
  1. Regional editions of Outbreak Outlook begin on Monday. These editions will provide more specific updates for different areas in the U.S.
  2. Paid subscribers will receive tailored updates about respiratory and stomach bug trends that are relevant to their region.
  3. The national update will still be available for free, but the regional insights offer extra local detail for subscribers.

How to talk to mRNA fanatics

Unreported Truths • 43 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology COVID-19
  1. Many people are starting to question the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, as fewer are getting vaccinated this year compared to previous years. Some areas show a significant drop in vaccinations.
  2. Proponents of mRNA vaccines often rely on a chart that claims vaccinated people had lower death rates from COVID-19. However, this chart has flaws and doesn't tell the full story.
  3. It's important to address these discussions in a way that acknowledges some ground without giving up key points about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 178 - Measles Outbreak Update

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 22 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Outbreaks Epidemiology Health Safety
  1. There is currently a severe measles outbreak, especially in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Many people are getting sick, so it's important to stay informed and cautious.
  2. The CDC has reported over 1,000 confirmed cases just this year, making it one of the highest years for measles infections since the disease was considered eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
  3. A special live discussion will focus on the outbreak's details and ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. It's a good opportunity to ask questions and learn more about staying healthy.

(Temple Prokarya) 1. A brief manifesto: I think this is important

Microanimism • 19 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🔬 Science Microbiology Ethics Virology Epidemiology
  1. Pathogens like bacteria and viruses do not have a desire to make us sick, they simply exist and propagate efficiently.
  2. Exploring the morality of survival in the face of life-threatening diseases can lead to deeper philosophical discussions about microbial behavior.
  3. Human activities like deforestation and increased contact with wild animals are linked to the emergence of new infectious diseases, highlighting the impact of our actions on public health.

Modesty is a Risk Factor for HIV.

Eat Shit and Prosper • 199 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology
  1. HIV made the jump to humans multiple times, mainly through eating infected primates. Understanding this helps us see how complex diseases spread.
  2. Certain natural substances, like a sugar-binding protein in bananas, might help reduce HIV's infectivity. It shows how nature can provide unexpected solutions.
  3. Being overly cautious or clean can backfire when it comes to health. Embracing natural behaviors might actually be better for preventing diseases like HIV.

Milei vs. A School Board Epidemiologist

Variations on a Theme • 79 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Epidemiology Bureaucracy Education Policy
  1. Javier Milei, a Libertarian, faced challenges in pushing for government limitations and administrative state cuts after being elected President of Argentina.
  2. The story highlights how bureaucrats often resist change, prioritize personal status, and maintain power against external pressure, even to the detriment of societal outcomes.
  3. The narrative underscores the importance of scrutinizing reformers and holding them accountable, as outsider status doesn't always guarantee sustainable reforms in complex systems.