The hottest Immunity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Is it true that a previous COVID-19 infection is just as good as a vaccine?

News from Those Nerdy Girls • 0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunity Vaccination Infection Protection Long Covid
  1. A past COVID-19 infection provides good protection against re-infection and severe disease, if you survived the first infection.
  2. Vaccination remains the safest way to build immunity and protect against future encounters with the virus.
  3. Hybrid immunity, a combination of vaccine and infection-induced immunity, offers better protection against re-infection and severe disease.

Roundup, week 5 2024

The GIZN Journal of Medicine • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccination Therapy Immunity Biosecurity
  1. Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy does not pose risks to newborns and may offer protection against severe complications.
  2. Paxlovid has shown effectiveness in treating mild to moderate COVID-19 cases during the Omicron epidemic.
  3. After chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, a study found a 27% incidence of CMV reactivation, but no patients developed CMV end-organ disease.

Managing Endemic Covid

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 06 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Immunity Infectious Diseases Preventive measures Symptoms
  1. When your Covid symptoms abate, you're likely still infectious. Consider "test to leave" or wear a mask after feeling better.
  2. Even after recovering from a cold or flu, continue to wear masks to reduce the spread of illnesses.
  3. With endemic Covid, it's crucial to focus on post-symptomatic measures rather than blanket requirements on asymptomatic individuals.
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BA.2: Your 2022 Variant De Jour

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Variants Immunity Symptoms Prevention
  1. A new Omicron variant, BA.2, has emerged and appears to be 1.5 times as transmissible as the original BA.1 variant, leading to concerns about rapid spread.
  2. Studies suggest that BA.2 is not more lethal than Omicron and current vaccines are effective in preventing serious illness.
  3. There are concerns about potential reinfections with Omicron, as evidence shows higher reinfection rates and possible waning immunity within just 10 weeks.

The worst will come in 2021-22

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology Prevention Vaccination Healthcare system Immunity
  1. The forecasted surge in Covid-19 cases for early 2022, particularly due to factors like reduced mitigation efforts, insufficient vaccination rates, and new variants, appears to be unfolding with the Omicron variant spreading rapidly.
  2. Preparation for the upcoming outbreaks includes obtaining N95 masks and rapid tests, having a plan to care for vulnerable individuals cautiously, and prioritizing booster shots for older individuals.
  3. Despite the likelihood of increased Covid-19 cases in the near future, the message emphasizes the importance of patience over panic, with outbreaks expected to be intense but relatively short-lived.

NSW vs Ontario: Another Month

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 21
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccination Lockdowns Immunity
  1. NSW and Ontario were used as comparison cases for the Delta variant, with NSW passing 80% of its 16+ population fully vaccinated and starting to ease restrictions.
  2. In Ontario, despite concerns of an outbreak when kids returned to school, the outbreak was relatively stunted compared to NSW, showcasing the value of vaccination over lockdowns.
  3. Winter will be the true test of resilience for vaccinations in Ontario, as well as dealing with waning immunity that will hit Ontario sooner than NSW.

Resetting expectations

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 13 Aug 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Pandemic Management Vaccination Immunity Testing
  1. The previous plan of waiting for a vaccine and declaring victory is no longer feasible with the emergence of the Delta variant.
  2. In dealing with the Delta variant, it is important to flatten the curve to prevent overwhelming hospitals and buy time to vaccinate more people.
  3. Policies to address the Delta variant should include restrictions on non-essential gatherings, rapid testing in schools, encouraging mask-wearing, and providing support for those who cannot be vaccinated.

The worst may come in 2021-22

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 21 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Measures Immunity
  1. Experts predict the worst of the pandemic is yet to come in 2021-22, with potential outbreaks due to low vaccinations and new variants.
  2. The forecasts for Western Europe, Latin America, and the US all show challenges ahead in managing COVID-19 cases and deaths.
  3. There are uncertainties regarding the impact of new variants, vaccine effectiveness, and waning immunity, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.

The coming vaccine wall in Ontario

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccination Public Health Immunity Prevention
  1. Increasing vaccine supply is crucial to maintain vaccination rates and prevent the pandemic from resurging when needed.
  2. Extending the length between vaccine doses beyond 16 weeks presents uncertainties, and experts are still unsure of the outcomes.
  3. Monitoring the effectiveness of first doses over time and preparing for potential booster shots post-second dose are crucial for informed decision-making before July.

What does vaccination mean for rapid screening?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Immunity Monitoring Screening Epidemiology
  1. As vaccination rates increase, the need for rapid screening to prevent outbreaks remains crucial because both vaccines and screening can help control the spread of Covid-19.
  2. The effectiveness of rapid screening in reducing the risk of outbreaks significantly increases as the percentage of vaccinated individuals rises, highlighting the importance of combining vaccination with screening.
  3. There is a potential issue of waning immunity post-vaccination, especially among older populations, which could lead to the re-emergence of Covid-19. This emphasizes the need for a surveillance plan to monitor immunity levels in the vaccinated population and address any possible resurgence.

Tell them they're dreaming

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 01 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Health Risks Immunity Vaccine Hesitancy
  1. Australia's success in managing COVID-19 has led to complacency in vaccination efforts, resulting in potential long-term challenges.
  2. Achieving herd immunity is not a guarantee of safety, as the virus can still spread even with high vaccination rates.
  3. Strategic planning and a stronger vaccine strategy are crucial for countries like Australia to navigate the transition from COVID-Zero to a more sustainable approach amidst evolving virus variants.

There is no such thing as no risk

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Precautions Testing Immunity Infection
  1. There is no such thing as a perfectly safe event - caution is always required, and risks are unavoidable.
  2. Even with considerable precautions taken, events can still be risky - the event at issue saw 2.5% of attendees infected.
  3. Testing for COVID-19 is crucial, but flaws in testing protocols can lead to false negatives, impacting event safety measures.

We need to plan for the worst

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Pandemics Immunity Treatment Disease Management Public Health
  1. We need to plan for long-term strategies for managing Covid-19 as an endemic disease, considering the possibility that it might never fully go away.
  2. The ongoing mutations in the virus pose a challenge to achieving widespread immunity and point out the importance of developing effective treatments alongside vaccines.
  3. A diplomatic approach is needed in dealing with Covid-19, focusing on finding treatments that can make the disease more manageable in the long run, rather than relying solely on vaccine strategies.

What cheeses me off

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Public Health Immunity Behavior Science
  1. Vaccination has benefits beyond protection that are being overlooked, like conserving scarce vaccine doses by testing for antibodies in individuals who have already had Covid-19.
  2. Public health messages are simplistic and may not account for evolving situations, such as the potential for vaccinated individuals to spread the virus.
  3. Locking up vaccinated individuals without allowing them more freedom can hinder understanding their role in spreading the virus, and a lack of flexibility in responses may lead to behavioral challenges in the future.

Vaccine doses ... again

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 04 Jan 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines COVID-19 Public Health Epidemiology Immunity
  1. There is a debate about the effectiveness of administering two vaccine doses versus one, with some evidence showing that a single dose could be adequate in certain situations.
  2. The timing of vaccine doses is crucial, with considerations on how to maximize the number of people vaccinated and the potential risks of delaying the second dose.
  3. Mathematical calculations play a role in determining the efficacy of first doses first strategy, but there are complexities involved, including capacity, prevalence of the virus, and the role of vaccines in reducing spread.

Revisiting the number of doses

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Immunity Health Management Pandemic Management
  1. Consideration is being given to whether a single dose of the Covid-19 vaccine could be enough, given the potential benefits of quicker vaccination and less logistical constraints.
  2. The effectiveness of one dose of the vaccine is being debated, as initial data suggests it may offer some protection, but uncertainty remains about how long immunity from a single dose lasts.
  3. Ensuring people receive the second vaccine dose may pose a challenge due to potential beliefs that one dose is sufficient, highlighting the importance of clear communication and tracking systems.

How many vaccine doses do you need?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Immunity Logistics Information Pandemic
  1. Vaccine dosages are crucial - receiving two doses is necessary to ensure proper immune response and protection for individuals.
  2. Timing of vaccine doses is important - while sticking to the recommended schedule is ideal, there is some flexibility in providing the second dose within a reasonable timeframe.
  3. Good information infrastructure is essential - reliable systems are needed to track who received which vaccine doses and when to ensure effective vaccination management.

So you want to achieve herd immunity

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology Infectious Diseases Public Health Preventive measures Immunity
  1. Achieving herd immunity through infection can be a challenging policy due to individual behaviors impacting the rate of infection.
  2. To accelerate the spread of Covid-19 for herd immunity, potential strategies include mask prohibitions, creating situations for people to congregate indoors for extended periods, and avoiding widespread testing.
  3. Implementing unconventional and counterintuitive measures like not announcing vaccine progress, encouraging large gatherings such as political rallies, or subsidizing risky activities could be attempts to expedite herd immunity.

Bringing local outbreaks under control

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 30 Sep 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Testing Transparency Immunity Data Analysis
  1. Local outbreaks can be controlled with widespread testing and proper data transparency.
  2. Facing challenges with social distancing, universities and prisons have shown success in handling outbreaks through testing and transparency.
  3. Commitment to high data transparency is crucial in dealing with outbreaks and implementing effective testing strategies.

Why R tends towards 1

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Aug 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Epidemiology Human behavior Public Health Pandemics Immunity
  1. People's behavior plays a significant role in determining how a pandemic like Covid-19 progresses, even more than epidemiological models predict.
  2. Understanding the concept of R0, the basic reproduction number, helps in identifying peak infection points and herd immunity thresholds.
  3. Human behavior can cause fluctuations in the effective reproduction rate of a virus, ultimately leading to an equilibrium point where the virus becomes stable and endemic.

What if it’s worse?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Immunity Testing Vaccine Pandemic
  1. Immunity from COVID-19 is a critical assumption in policy discussions, but what if this assumption is wrong? If immunity is not guaranteed, the virus may never go away.
  2. Investing in extensive testing, especially HAVE tests, can still be valuable even if immunity or a vaccine is not a solution. Testing can help contain the spread of the virus and eventually eradicate it.
  3. The possibility of not achieving permanent immunity emphasizes the need for testing as a hedge against uncertainty. Testing, regardless of immunity status, plays a crucial role in managing the pandemic.

Prep for the Holidays

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Health tips Immunity Vaccines Wellness Practices Medication
  1. Vaccination against COVID is essential to protect against severe disease, even with waning immunity from the primary vaccine series.
  2. Flu shots are recommended for managing the flu virus effectively and are a good match for the circulating strains this year.
  3. Boosting the immune system with sleep, proper nutrition, exercise, and other self-care practices can help protect against various viruses.

Myth of the Day: I Don’t Need a Flu Shot

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Preventative Care Vaccination Health Education Disease Prevention Immunity
  1. Flu is a serious illness caused by influenza virus with symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches.
  2. Getting the flu shot is crucial every year, with effectiveness ranging from 20% to 60%, to reduce severe disease and mortality.
  3. COVID and flu are spread similarly, but different tests are needed to distinguish them; antivirals like Tamiflu help with flu treatment.

Dispel Medical Myth #2: Everyone Needs the New Booster

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Myths Vaccination Immunity
  1. New booster shots are designed to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection by producing fresh antibodies against current variants.
  2. People who had COVID in 2020 or 2021 might not benefit significantly from the new booster shot due to existing immunity.
  3. The decision to get the new booster shot should be personalized based on age, health conditions, and time since last COVID shot or infection.

Disarm BA.5 With Immunity and Agency

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccines Immunity Healthcare Wellness
  1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important to acknowledge that it's okay to not be okay and to give yourself permission to feel human emotions.
  2. The BA.5 variant is more contagious than previous Omicron subvariants, but not necessarily causing more severe disease. Vaccines still provide good protection against serious outcomes.
  3. To protect against BA.5 and future variants, focus on basic health measures, vaccination, boosters if recommended, and consider options like nasal vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

Understand BA.5 & the COVID Vaccine for Kids

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Children's Health Medical Advice Public Health Immunity
  1. The BA.5 Omicron subvariant is highly contagious but doesn't seem to be intrinsically more virulent than past variants. So far, the vaccine continues to offer protection against death and serious COVID outcomes against BA.5.
  2. Deciding on vaccinating children under 5 against COVID is nuanced and should be individualized. Although the risks of major vaccine side effects are extremely low, the long-term safety and efficacy for children are not yet fully understood.
  3. It's important to focus on vulnerable populations for vaccination and boosters to protect society as a whole. The data and understanding around COVID vaccination for young children are still evolving, requiring a nuanced approach towards decision-making.

Paxlovid is not a Panacea

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 23 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication COVID-19 Treatment Vaccination Immunity
  1. Paxlovid is not a one-size-fits-all solution and its effectiveness varies depending on factors like age, vaccination status, and underlying health conditions.
  2. Using Paxlovid in vaccinated individuals is still being studied, but it has shown anecdotal improvement in symptoms for some high-risk patients.
  3. Some vaccinated patients have experienced a rebound of COVID symptoms after finishing a course of Paxlovid, prompting further research and caution in prescribing.

Boost Your Immunity

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunity Vaccination COVID-19 Medical Advice Public Health
  1. The FDA authorized a second booster shot for specific groups, emphasizing individual responsibility in COVID protection.
  2. Data supports high effectiveness of COVID vaccines in reducing hospitalization rates, especially with more booster shots.
  3. Consulting a primary care provider for personalized advice on receiving additional booster shots is crucial for making informed decisions.

We Are Not Done

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccines Immunity Public Health Therapeutics
  1. High school and college students are experiencing mixed emotions about removing masks, ranging from excitement to worry and empathy for others.
  2. As mask mandates are lifted, individuals are responsible for assessing their own risks and decisions about wearing masks.
  3. Key lessons learned in the age of Omicron include the evolving role of vaccines, the importance of ventilation, the legitimacy of infection-acquired immunity, and the increasing population immunity compared to last year.

Take It From a Pediatrician

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Immunity Mental health Child development
  1. As COVID-19 restrictions relax, pediatricians are sharing optimistic views on the progress made, including the availability of effective vaccines and the decreasing severity of the virus over time.
  2. Children who have recovered from COVID-19 tend to develop lasting immunity, with studies showing a strong immune response, even greater than adults, in some cases.
  3. The potential harms of prolonged mask wearing on children's development, combined with the psychological impacts of the pandemic, highlight the importance of considering the overall well-being of children when making decisions about COVID-19 precautions.

Understanding Boosters

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Boosters Immunity Side Effects Health Information
  1. Boosters are recommended for certain groups like those over 65 or with chronic conditions, and timing varies depending on the initial vaccine received.
  2. It's important to consider the type of booster based on individual health and risks, with options like sticking with the original vaccine or mixing and matching for added protection.
  3. Side effects from booster shots are similar to initial vaccines, so it's advisable to plan for a day or two for potential reactions like fatigue or arm soreness.

Boost Your Vaccine Confidence

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination COVID-19 Booster shots Immunity Public Health
  1. The CDC recommends booster shots for specific groups at higher risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19 breakthrough infections, but the decision is complex and based on evolving data.
  2. Recommendations for Moderna and J & J vaccine recipients are still pending, but it's suggested that high-risk individuals consider a third dose, potentially even from a different type of vaccine for additional protection.
  3. The focus should be on trusting the existing vaccines and immune systems to manage COVID-19 risks, rather than solely relying on boosters to eliminate the pandemic threat entirely.

Fight The Flu

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 20 Sep 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention Treatment Vaccination Immunity Medication
  1. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the Influenza virus, can be severe, and leads to thousands of deaths each year in the U.S.
  2. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from 20-60%, but even when effectiveness is low, it still significantly reduces mortality and morbidity.
  3. It is important to get the flu shot every year, especially this year, to prevent outbreaks that could strain healthcare systems and to protect against the flu and COVID-19.

Understand Natural & Post-Vax Immunity

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 30 Aug 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunity Vaccines Anger Natural Immunity Emotions
  1. Our immune system naturally fights pathogens like the coronavirus by creating antibodies and memory cells for future protection.
  2. Vaccines offer great protection against severe disease, although breakthrough infections are possible.
  3. Natural immunity from recovering from COVID-19 may also offer protection, but getting vaccinated is still recommended for optimal defense.

Test, Triage, And Trust the Vaccine

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 23 Aug 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccine Testing Immunity Booster shots
  1. COVID testing options include rapid antigen tests with high sensitivity for symptomatic adults, and PCR tests for early and late infection detection.
  2. The CDC recommends testing and isolation protocols for fully vaccinated individuals who are sick or exposed to COVID-19, with different requirements based on symptoms.
  3. Vaccinated individuals can still infect others, but likelihood is lower than in unvaccinated individuals; Booster shots are not universally necessary but could benefit some high-risk groups.