The hottest Health Guidelines Substack posts right now

New US guidelines recommend starting colon cancer screening at age 45 for average-risk individuals.
There are three main methods for colon cancer screening in the US: FIT, sDNA-FIT, and colonoscopy.
Offering multiple screening methods increases screening rates and allows people to choose the test they prefer.

Vaccinating close contacts ("cocooning") was widely promoted as a way to protect newborns, but it has limited evidence and many programs now prioritize giving Tdap to pregnant women so antibodies pass directly to the baby.
The current acellular pertussis vaccine often prevents symptoms but not infection, so vaccinated people can carry and spread pertussis without knowing it, meaning cocooning alone may be ineffective or could even raise risk.
Requiring vaccination for visitors has proved hard to implement and can create real family conflict and isolation for new parents and grandparents, so the social harms and logistical costs are important considerations.

Public health policies, like mask mandates, may not have strong evidence supporting their effectiveness. It's important to question if these rules actually help reduce virus spread.
There seems to be no clear reason for timing these mandates, like starting in November. This raises doubts about their real necessity.
Distrust in public health may be justified if they impose rules without credible data or consideration of their impact on people. It's okay to ask for better evidence and accountability.

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.
COVID-19 activity is currently low across the country, with minimal emergency department visits and hospitalizations remaining low.
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.

Staying vigilant against COVID-19 is crucial as new variants are more contagious, even if not more lethal. The race is between the virus's ability to mutate and our ability to mitigate risks and vaccinate.
Increasing vaccine doses and implementing widespread testing are key strategies. Vaccinating large populations can save lives and reduce virus mutations, while frequent at-home testing helps identify and isolate asymptomatic carriers.
Universal mask-wearing and enhancing risk mitigation efforts are important. Layering measures like double masking in high-risk environments and adhering to strict mitigation rules will help curb the spread of the virus.
Host community forums could be pivotal in discussing vaccination opportunities and developments.
Ensuring collaboration in implementing vaccination, testing, and preventive measures is crucial for overcoming the pandemic.

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