The hottest Epidemiology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Covid Situation Report: Jun 20, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 299 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Covid positivity rates and hospital admissions are on the rise again, indicating that the virus is spreading more in the community. It's important to stay cautious.
  2. Long Covid is affecting many people, with over 1.1 million reporting symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks. This shows that even after initial recovery, some individuals continue to face health challenges.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is ongoing but is seeing slower vaccination rates compared to previous campaigns. It's crucial for eligible individuals, especially the immunosuppressed, to get vaccinated before the campaign ends.

Drink coffee! It's (probably) good for you!

Unreported Truths • 43 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Large, long-term observational studies found that people who drink about 3–4 cups of coffee a day had roughly a 20–30% lower risk of dementia; tea showed similar benefits while decaf did not, which points to caffeine as a likely active factor.
  2. These results come from observational data, so they don’t prove causation — other differences between people or reverse causation could explain the link — but the findings are strengthened by the large size, long follow-up, and careful tracking by health-professional participants.
  3. Enjoying moderate amounts of coffee seems reasonable and might lower dementia risk, but don’t overdo it to the point it disrupts sleep, and remember coffee isn’t a guaranteed prevention tool pending more research.

Heat risk paradoxes, disease trends, and food alerts

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1430 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Extreme heat can be really harmful, especially when it's humid. It makes it hard for our bodies to cool down, so it's important to pay attention to humidity and dew point, not just temperature.
  2. It's a tough season for ticks, with a rise in tick-related illnesses. If you're in areas where ticks are common, be cautious and check for bites after being outdoors.
  3. There are some food safety alerts to watch out for. Certain meal products and cough syrup have been recalled because of health risks, so it's smart to check your fridge and pantry.

4 ways to anticipate next week's ACIP

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1342 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. The new ACIP members may not have much vaccine experience, raising concerns about their decisions affecting public health.
  2. Expect confusion and misinformation about vaccines in social media following the meeting, especially around topics like thimerosal and the MMR vaccine.
  3. Although some answers will surface after the meeting, many important questions remain, and many health organizations are already working hard to clarify the situation for the public.

The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2760 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO means less influence in global health decisions, leaving a gap that countries like China might fill.
  2. The WHO faces challenges like limited funding and authority, which makes it hard to enforce health policies effectively.
  3. Even though the U.S. has strong public health systems, global health threats affect everyone, so it's important to stay involved with organizations like the WHO.
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Flu rebound watch

Force of Infection • 83 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Flu activity is falling nationwide, but school-age children are showing a small rebound that could either be a brief bump or the start of a larger spike, so this needs close watch over the next week or two.
  2. COVID-19 is improving overall with lower ED visits and wastewater signals, but the Midwest remains relatively higher and a similar small rebound among school-age kids is being monitored.
  3. Measles outbreaks are growing rapidly across states and could cause the US to lose its elimination status, underscoring serious gaps in vaccination and public health risk.

Covid levels remain low but new variants are coming, as is bird flu

Independent SAGE continues • 499 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Covid levels are currently low in the UK, but new variants are expected to emerge soon. We need to stay alert as these variants could cause more infections.
  2. There's growing concern about bird flu as it spreads among animals and may jump to humans. Health experts worry this could lead to the next pandemic.
  3. It's important to prepare for future outbreaks by improving vaccines, treatments, and surveillance systems based on lessons learned from Covid.

Flu is (still) taking off, egg prices, new diet standards, Super Bowl, and more

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2404 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Flu cases are rising sharply this year, with many people experiencing 'influenza-like illnesses' since 2002. Fewer vaccinations among kids and a mismatch between the vaccine and circulating flu strains are contributing to this problem.
  2. A new Ebola vaccine trial has started in Uganda quickly after an outbreak occurred. This is an important step to help control the spread of the virus and protect public health.
  3. New nutrition guidelines suggest that kids aged 5 to 18 should mainly drink plain water and milk, while sugar-sweetened beverages should be limited. This can help improve their overall health and prevent issues like weight gain and dental problems.

Data and communication are gold

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2389 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Public health data is crucial for keeping people safe and informed. When this data is lost or manipulated, it poses a serious risk to health and safety.
  2. Changes in government orders are causing confusion and delays in data reporting, affecting how health agencies communicate important health information.
  3. Local health departments and universities are still working to share necessary health updates while federal agencies face challenges. Staying informed through local sources is key during this instability.

Behind the curtain at YLE

Your Local Epidemiologist • 959 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. The post gives a behind-the-scenes look at how YLE keeps track of health signals and reads scientific studies. It's a sneak peek into the work that goes into health communication.
  2. Many members of the YLE community play important roles in spreading health information, like clinicians and school nurses. They help share and adapt YLE content to reach more people.
  3. The YLE team wants to experiment with new ways to support their community and make health communication easier for everyone involved.

Big news: California here we come!

Your Local Epidemiologist • 819 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. There's a new newsletter launching in California called Your Local Epidemiologist. It aims to provide tailored public health insights for Californians.
  2. The newsletter is created based on feedback from local readers, making it more relevant to community needs and concerns.
  3. As the newsletter grows, there are plans to expand to more states and cities, reconnecting communities with trustworthy health information.

Why should you care about an indirect cost?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2155 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Indirect costs are essential for research. They cover things like rent and internet, helping researchers do their work effectively.
  2. A proposed cut in indirect costs could greatly harm universities and their communities. This could lead to job losses and less innovation, affecting everyone.
  3. Researchers need to do a better job of connecting with the public. If people understand the importance of research funding, they may be more likely to support it.

A big discovery, Medicaid cuts, states removing fluoride, drug price questions, and more.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1287 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. A recent breakthrough in genetics used new tools to fix a baby's rare disease by editing their DNA. This could lead to treatments for many other genetic disorders.
  2. Florida is removing fluoride from drinking water, which could affect many people's dental health. This decision might inspire other states to follow suit.
  3. Proposed cuts to Medicaid could leave 8.6 million people without health coverage, highlighting the importance of contacting lawmakers about healthcare access.

Here's what we're getting ourselves into

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2286 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Many people think natural things are always good, but that's not true. Some natural things can be harmful, like germs that cause diseases.
  2. It's important to rely on science rather than just the appeal of nature. Some human-made medicines save lives, even when natural solutions sound better.
  3. We need policies that look at the real issues affecting health, not just ones that follow popular but incorrect ideas about nature. Ignoring the complexities can lead to more health problems.

Widespread flu activity overshadows holiday season

Force of Infection • 124 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Flu is surging across many states with emergency visits, test positivity, and hospitalizations doubling or tripling in places and in some areas already exceeding last year’s peaks.
  2. Other respiratory viruses — RSV, rhinoviruses/enteroviruses, adenovirus and metapneumovirus — are also on the rise, while COVID-19 is increasing in some states but remains generally low.
  3. Multiple food recalls and non-respiratory outbreaks (growing measles clusters, a salmonella outbreak tied to raw oysters, and rising norovirus wastewater signals) add extra public health risks, so check recalled items and follow basic hygiene steps.

Now what for public health?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2790 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. We need to adapt to a new public health world because of unreliable leadership and misinformation. This means being more thoughtful in how we communicate and make decisions.
  2. Building bridges and finding common ground is essential for effective public health. Listening and showing empathy can help people trust the information provided.
  3. Fighting for the truth against falsehoods will be a major challenge. It's important to promote reliable sources of information to help individuals make informed health choices.

No Evidence RSV Had a Research Laboratory Origin, Multi-Layer Analysis Concludes

Who is Robert Malone • 8 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🔬 Science Epidemiology
  1. A six-layer, AI-enhanced analysis found no credible genomic, epidemiological, or behavioral evidence that RSV was engineered or escaped from a lab, and the data point to a natural, zoonotic origin long before the 1950s.
  2. RSV was likely circulating in humans for decades and was only detected in the 1950s because of advances in tissue culture and expanded respiratory surveillance, including military-funded detection programs, not because the virus newly emerged from labs.
  3. The AI-Enhanced verification framework produced consistent negative findings for RSV, showing multi-layer analytical tools can help distinguish natural emergence from laboratory involvement, though they cannot replace political agreements or formal inspection regimes.

Covid Situation Report: Jun 6, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Covid positivity rates are rising, especially among older people, but hospital admissions remain stable and low. It’s important to stay cautious.
  2. Older individuals face a higher risk of being hospitalized or dying from Covid. It's crucial to get vaccinated, especially for those over 75 and immunocompromised.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is ongoing, but vaccination rates are slowing. People should check their eligibility and consider getting their booster before the end of June.

H5N1 Update: January 7

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1940 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. H5N1, or bird flu, is still spreading among animals and has now caused its first human death in the U.S. It's a serious virus, but the general public's risk remains low for now.
  2. Experts are worried about H5N1 because it could mutate and become more dangerous, especially if it spreads among animals that are close to humans. Keeping tabs on this virus is important.
  3. Right now, there's not much for the average person to do except stay informed. Avoid sick animals and unpasteurized milk to stay safe, and let health officials manage the outbreak.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 18

Force of Infection • 66 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Flu activity is falling across most of the country but remains elevated, especially in the Northeast and among young children. It might rebound, but usually there’s a single peak and activity typically winds down by March.
  2. COVID-19 indicators are generally declining and ED visits have dropped, yet wastewater levels remain high in parts of the country, with the Midwest currently the hardest hit. Continued monitoring is needed as regional trends differ.
  3. Several food recalls are underway, including a large multistate Salmonella-linked supplement recall, so check and discard any affected products you may have. Wastewater surveillance is also showing value as an early warning tool for outbreaks like measles.

2.7 million Spanish children and teenagers. ZERO Covid deaths.

Unreported Truths • 93 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. A large Spanish study of 2.7 million children and teenagers reported zero Covid deaths from mid-2021 through the end of 2022.
  2. The study found little difference in hospitalizations for unvaccinated under‑12s and estimated about 38,000 adolescent mRNA shots were needed to prevent one Covid hospitalization, leading to the claim that mRNA vaccines for kids are unnecessary and potentially risky.
  3. The article argues US child Covid death totals are likely overstated because they don’t always distinguish deaths "with" versus "from" Covid, and it criticizes public health agencies for continuing to promote mRNA shots for children.

The Dose (January 3)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1867 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Winter is here, and respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID, and RSV are on the rise across the country. It's important to stay aware as health services could get overwhelmed.
  2. The new COVID-19 vaccine is showing good results, especially for older adults, helping to reduce hospital visits significantly. Keeping up with vaccinations can strengthen your immunity.
  3. Some Costco eggs may be contaminated with salmonella, so it's best to check your fridge and avoid those eggs to keep your family safe.

Updated flu report, national edition

Force of Infection • 80 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Flu activity is very high nationwide, with outpatient ILI visits around 8.3% and levels not seen in more than two decades, and many states appear to be at or near their peak.
  2. This season is driven by a new H3N2 subclade (K), but early estimates show this year’s vaccine still gives moderate protection—about 30–40% against hospitalization in adults.
  3. Children are bearing the biggest burden with the highest outpatient and emergency visits while adults 65+ have the highest hospitalization rates, and every region is seeing rising activity with the Northeast and South especially hard hit.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 4

Force of Infection • 86 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Flu activity is very high across the country, with emergency visits and hospitalizations elevated in many states and several areas near or past their seasonal peak.
  2. COVID-19 and RSV are both rising; COVID remains generally low but has notable increases in some states, while RSV is at moderate levels and climbing with some states reaching seasonal baselines.
  3. Norovirus activity is increasing and highly contagious, so hand washing and surface cleaning are important. Multiple food recalls and a large measles resurgence also highlight the need for food safety and vaccination.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 11

Force of Infection • 70 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. Influenza activity is very high nationwide but shows signs of declining in most regions; children improved most, yet cases, hospitalizations, and deaths remain substantial and precautions are still advisable.
  2. COVID-19 is trending upward — wastewater levels and hospitalizations are increasing, with the Midwest hardest hit, the Northeast and South rising, and the West still low.
  3. RSV and several other respiratory viruses are rising (with RSV test positivity and hospitalizations up), norovirus wastewater signals are high in many regions, and several food recalls mean people should check and discard affected products.

FOI Clinical: A new outbreak monitoring service

Force of Infection • 54 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology
  1. The CDC reported New World screwworm cases on the Mexico side of the Texas–Mexico border; it mainly affects livestock but can infect people, and there are no U.S. cases yet though the threat is approaching.
  2. Front-line clinicians don’t have a quick, recurring, plain-language briefing that tracks reportable diseases, emerging outbreaks, and policy changes that affect patient care.
  3. FOI Clinical is launching a clinician-focused outbreak monitoring service to fill that gap with briefings and alerts, with a first edition expected in February 2026 and subscriptions open to clinicians and medically vulnerable people.

A Response to France’s Best-Selling COVID Skeptic

Integrity Talk • 66 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Saying there was no excess mortality during COVID is misleading because standardizing past deaths to a recent age structure ignores rising life expectancy and doesn’t fit global excess-death patterns.
  2. Arguing tests don’t detect illness confuses being infected with being symptomatic; PCR reliably finds viral material and antigen tests do a good job ruling out infection, even though no test perfectly indicates sickness.
  3. Claiming vaccines don’t work mixes valid worries about industry conflicts with a misunderstanding of trial goals; trials were powered to show reduced symptomatic COVID and large real-world studies later showed much lower death rates among vaccinated people.

The fluoride debate

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1979 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Fluoride helps strengthen our teeth and prevents cavities, which is why it's in toothpaste and is often added to public water supplies.
  2. Fluoridated water has been effective in reducing tooth decay overall, especially in communities with less access to dental care.
  3. The safety of fluoride is based on careful dosage; while high levels can be harmful, the amount used in drinking water is considered safe for everyone.

Year-on-year COVID comparisons

Logging the World • 1056 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Overall, COVID admissions and death rates in 2023 are lower than the corresponding days in 2022, suggesting positive progress in managing the virus.
  2. Comparisons of primary beds occupied 'for COVID' show similar positive trends in 2023 compared to 2022, indicating improved conditions.
  3. The data suggests that in 2023, COVID outcomes have improved significantly compared to previous years, with lower deaths and better management, showcasing progress in handling the pandemic.

Covid Situation Report: May 23, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 179 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Covid positivity rates have peaked and are now decreasing, indicating a potential end to the recent wave of infections.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is going well, with over 3.3 million doses given, but vaccination among vulnerable groups remains low.
  3. A new variant, KP.2, is spreading but doesn't appear to be more aggressive than others currently in circulation.

We are likely at peak season

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1384 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Right now, many people are getting sick, and it seems like we are in the peak season for respiratory illnesses. The usual patterns we see are pretty much the same as before the pandemic.
  2. Flu cases are very high but appear to be slowing down. However, we might still face more waves of flu with different strains hitting later in the winter.
  3. Covid-19 cases are increasing, but they are lower than in past winters. Vaccination and past infections have helped build immunity, which is why this winter seems milder.

Up, up, and away

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1530 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Influenza-like illnesses are on the rise in the U.S., which means more people are getting sick. It's not peak season yet, but it's a good idea to wear a mask when traveling.
  2. The flu is spreading quickly, especially the Flu A strain. Vaccination rates are lower this year, which may lead to more severe cases, so getting vaccinated is still encouraged.
  3. Covid-19 cases are increasing gradually, with new variants making it easier to catch. As we head into winter and holiday gatherings, it's wise to get vaccinated to stay protected.

22 Public Health Accomplishments in 2024

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1472 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. dropped thanks to programs that provide treatment and education on overdose prevention. This is a big win after many years of rising deaths.
  2. There was a 2% decline in sexually transmitted infections, showing that efforts to control and educate about these diseases are making a difference.
  3. Cervical cancer deaths are decreasing among young women, likely due to the success of the HPV vaccine. This suggests that vaccination is successfully protecting future generations.

Updated estimates of Long Covid in England and Scotland show that it remains a serious issue

Independent SAGE continues • 239 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. About 1.1 million people in England and Scotland are estimated to have Long Covid lasting at least 12 weeks, which is a significant number. This suggests that Long Covid is still a serious health problem affecting many individuals.
  2. Most people with Long Covid have been living with it for a long time; over 50% have had it for more than two years. Many new cases are still emerging, especially among those with repeated infections.
  3. Long Covid significantly impacts daily life for many, with nearly 73% experiencing some limitations and about 23% facing major difficulties in their daily activities. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating.

What does the latest data tell us about Long Covid?

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Long Covid is still a big health problem, with about 2 million people in the UK affected as of March 2024.
  2. Certain groups are more likely to suffer from Long Covid, such as those living in poorer areas and certain ethnic groups, especially Mixed and Asian communities.
  3. Many people with Long Covid experience serious symptoms that greatly affect their daily activities, especially if they've been suffering for over two years.

More of your H5N1 questions answered

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1263 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. H5N1 is mostly spreading through contact with sick animals and surfaces. If it mutates, it could spread like COVID-19, mostly through the air.
  2. The U.S. hasn't started vaccinating farm workers against H5N1 because severe cases are rare and vaccines can have side effects. They focus on treating sick workers instead.
  3. Testing for H5N1 is ongoing in the U.S., with a system in place to check flu samples. It's important to stay informed about any changes in flu severity or new cases.

Buckle up: Navigating the noise around routine vaccination

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1375 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology
  1. Vaccination has had a huge impact on public health, eradicating diseases like smallpox and reducing cases of polio and measles to near-zero with high vaccination rates.
  2. Most people still trust vaccines, with a significant percentage of parents ensuring their kids are vaccinated, despite the loud voices questioning vaccine safety.
  3. It's normal to have questions about vaccines, but it's important to seek answers from trusted experts to separate fact from fiction.