The hottest Infectious Diseases Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Outbreak Outlook - National - July 14

Force of Infection • 41 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. COVID-19 cases are slowly rising in some areas, but overall activity remains low across the country.
  2. Influenza rates are very low right now, with minimal activity reported in all states.
  3. The Southern and Western regions are experiencing a small increase in COVID-19-related emergency room visits, although they still make up a tiny percentage of total visits.

Pandemics Don't Wait. These Plants Could Save Your Life.

OK Doomer • 96 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  1. Plants can help protect us from infections, especially during pandemics. They're a natural alternative when vaccines and treatments are hard to access.
  2. Some plant compounds work really well against illnesses, sometimes even as good as popular medications like Tamiflu.
  3. It's important to use these plant supplements correctly and talk to a doctor if you're already on medication. They are not meant for long-term use and should be taken when you might be exposed to illness.

Scaling Phage Therapy

Asimov Press • 270 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  1. Phage therapy, using bacteriophages to combat drug-resistant infections, has seen renewed interest but faces challenges in scaling up due to the specificity of phages and the complexity of creating effective treatments.
  2. High-tech advancements like AI and synthetic biology offer potential solutions by predicting phage-host relationships and synthesizing phages for personalized treatments, aiming to overcome logistical and regulatory hurdles.
  3. The burden of antimicrobial resistance is predicted to impact low-income countries the most, highlighting the need for affordable, accessible phage therapies that can be used to prevent the spread of bacterial diseases in global health crises.

A note from a pediatrician who supports the US vaccination schedule

Unreported Truths • 41 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. Vaccines can prevent serious diseases that many people might not see anymore, but they can still be very harmful. It's important to remember how bad these diseases can be.
  2. The pediatrician believes that the COVID vaccine should be a choice for parents, not forced. He thinks the way the vaccine was pushed caused some people to trust vaccines less.
  3. He supports newer treatments like those for RSV but worries about their availability. Vaccines and treatments can save lives and reduce hospital visits for kids.

Suggestions for a Practical Way of Responding to RFK, Jr: Reflections from an Infectious Disease Doctor

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 115 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. Don't assume bad intentions of people like RFK Jr. Even if you disagree with them, it's important to recognize that they may genuinely care about public health.
  2. Instead of labeling individuals as 'quacks,' it's smarter to engage with their arguments and acknowledge when they make valid points. This can earn more respect.
  3. Being honest about past mistakes in public health can help rebuild trust with the community. Acknowledging errors makes it easier to improve in the future.
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Outbreak Outlook - National - June 30

Force of Infection • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. A summer wave of COVID-19 is expected to start in July, even though current activity is low. It's important to stay aware and prepared for changes in the situation.
  2. Flu cases are very low right now, with minimal activity reported across all states. It seems like there's not much to worry about regarding flu-related illnesses at this moment.
  3. Hospitalization rates are also low, which is a good sign for overall health. There are only 0.4 hospitalizations per 100,000 people, indicating that things are currently stable.

Outbreak Outlook - Dec 2

Force of Infection • 108 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  1. Flu cases are increasing, especially among young children, with activity levels hitting the start of flu season.
  2. COVID-19 rates remain low in the U.S., with fewer hospitalizations and a slight rise in emergency visits in some states.
  3. Concerns about H5N1 bird flu continue as officials are unable to find the source of recent infections in humans.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 23

Force of Infection • 85 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. Flu season is picking up, with more people visiting doctors for symptoms like fever and cough. Younger kids are seeing higher rates of flu, but older adults face the biggest risks.
  2. COVID-19 is on the rise again, especially in the Midwest, as wastewater and test positivity rates increase. People should stay cautious during the holidays.
  3. RSV cases are also climbing, with infants and older adults being especially at risk. It's important to be careful during gatherings with people of different ages.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 16

Force of Infection • 69 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. Influenza-like illness is on the rise, especially in the southern U.S., with young children seeing a slight decrease in cases. This suggests a possible peak in activity as we move into the new year.
  2. COVID-19 cases are starting to pick up again, particularly in the Midwest, though severe illness remains low. It's a good time to stock up on at-home tests ahead of holiday gatherings.
  3. Norovirus is seeing high positivity rates this year, especially in the West and Midwest. It's important to be cautious and aware of food recalls related to contamination.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 11

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  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.

Outbreak Outlook - October 21

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 24

Force of Infection • 59 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 9

Force of Infection • 53 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  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.

Outbreak Outlook - October 14

Force of Infection • 54 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  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.

Part 2: Answering reader questions on H5N1

Force of Infection • 38 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. H5N1 mostly spreads through close contact with infected animals, which means people who work with animals are at higher risk.
  2. The virus can survive on surfaces for varying amounts of time, which can affect how we control infection spread.
  3. Currently, there's no evidence that H5N1 spreads from person to person, but there's a concern it might someday gain that ability.

Latest "Bird Flu" Psyop

Who is Robert Malone • 38 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. The 'bird flu' situation is being used as a psychological operation to manipulate public perception. The reality is that current cases have no risk of spreading between humans and the death rate is much lower than reported.
  2. Vaccination schedules for diseases like tetanus might be overhyped. Research suggests that the immunity from these vaccines lasts much longer than what's currently recommended, meaning fewer shots could be needed.
  3. Public health strategies are becoming overly reliant on vaccination, ignoring other effective treatments. It may be worth considering older treatments and ways to handle infectious diseases without constant vaccination.

Deliberate Dysentery

Asimov Press • 96 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  1. Human challenge trials have been used for centuries to deliberately infect individuals with pathogens for research purposes, such as testing vaccines and treatments.
  2. The rising popularity of challenge trials can be attributed to ethical reforms, development of solid challenge models, and the ability to safely and effectively test vaccines for various diseases.
  3. Challenge trials have drawbacks, including recruitment challenges, underpayment of participants, and difficulty in quantifying overall impact.

Outbreak Outlook - National - January 22

Force of Infection • 94 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  1. Influenza-like illness activity decreased across all age groups and regions, with improvements in hospitalizations as well.
  2. COVID-19 activity is starting to decrease, supported by various indicators like hospitalizations and test positivity.
  3. RSV trends are showing improvement with a decrease in positivity rates, especially in vulnerable age and ethnic groups.

Impending Medical Doom—AGAIN—and What We Can Do to Stay Sane

Tessa Fights Robots • 35 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. It's important to pay attention to fungal and parasitic infections as they can affect our health in many ways. Focusing on prevention through diet and natural remedies can help.
  2. The idea of looming medical crises often comes up, and we should think critically about the information presented to us. Staying informed allows us to make better decisions.
  3. Finding ways to manage stress and include humor in our lives is essential. Laughter can be a powerful tool for our mental and emotional well-being.

Outbreak Outlook - National - February 19

Force of Infection • 59 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  1. Influenza-like illness (ILI) activity has increased in various age groups and regions, with over half of the country affected. However, emergency department visits for influenza are declining.
  2. National Covid-19 hospitalizations are declining in some regions, but there is a resurgence in the South. Overall, the situation is complex with variations across different states.
  3. RSV test positivity is decreasing nationally, but the West and Midwest still have lingering activity. Seasonal coronavirus activity is high, and norovirus remains a concern.

Bird Flu, Food Safety and What you Can Do to Protect Yourself

Who is Robert Malone • 18 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. Bird flu mainly affects birds and is not closely related to the seasonal flu that humans get. Human cases are very rare and usually mild, often occurring through close contact with infected birds.
  2. There are plans for new mRNA vaccines to combat bird flu, but many believe the government is overreacting to the threat. Testing and vaccination rollouts are likely to increase, affecting poultry and dairy farmers.
  3. The focus should be on improving farming practices and healthy lifestyles rather than on mass vaccination. Our immune systems need exposure to various pathogens to stay strong, and natural nutrients like vitamins D and magnesium are essential.

Did the COVID vaccine reduce cases? Find out instantly!

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. Getting vaccinated three or more times may increase your chances of getting infected compared to not getting vaccinated at all. It's surprising to see that more vaccines do not necessarily mean better protection.
  2. The biggest difference in infection rates was seen when people went from being unvaccinated to vaccinated. That change had the most impact.
  3. The numbers showing infection rates were consistent and validated against other surveys, suggesting a trend worth noting. It’s good to examine these findings critically.

Black swans and Covid-19

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 10 Mar 21
🔬 Science Infectious Diseases
  1. Covid-19 was not truly a black swan event despite its extreme consequences, as a global pandemic was predictable based on historical precedent and scientific consensus.
  2. Several unexpected positive outcomes emerged during the pandemic, such as minimal surface transmission, limited spread outdoors, and the rapid development of effective vaccines.
  3. The pandemic's string of good luck should serve as a reminder of the unpredictability and potential severity of future global infectious disease events, urging caution and preparedness.

Testing at the door versus testing at the desk

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 21 Oct 20
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases
  1. Consider testing at the desk instead of at the door to reduce operational challenges and costs, though it comes with the risk of letting infectious individuals into the space
  2. Testing at the desk may lead to fewer infections if it can be done more frequently than testing at the door, highlighting the importance of cost-benefit analysis in testing strategies
  3. Exploring various testing strategies, including combinations of at-the-door and at-the-desk testing, can provide a system with lower cost and less risk in managing infections

If only we knew the viral load

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 19 Oct 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  1. Knowing the viral load of infected individuals can assist in understanding the infection's stage and progression.
  2. Ct scores from PCR tests can provide critical data for pinpointing viral infection cycles and determining treatment timing.
  3. Recording and utilizing Ct scores from widespread testing can help map virus dynamics at a population level and enhance understanding without relying solely on time series data.

53. Do all tick bites cause Lyme disease?

Spyderdoc Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  1. Not all tick bites lead to Lyme disease. If you remove a tick within 48 to 72 hours, the chance of getting sick is very low.
  2. Lyme disease is mainly spread by certain ticks that can carry harmful bacteria. It's best to take precautions, especially in areas where ticks are common.
  3. Symptoms of Lyme disease can include a rash and flu-like feelings, but most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics if caught early.

Managing Endemic Covid

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 06 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  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.

5 microns, seriously?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  1. Infectious disease experts have been following a rule of thumb that particles larger than 5 microns fall to the ground, affecting how they understand virus transmission.
  2. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is about the same size as other viruses considered to be transmitted by droplets, leading to assumptions about its spread.
  3. There is a call for a scientific audit in the field of infectious diseases to review what is known and ensure information is up-to-date.

So you want to achieve herd immunity

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  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.

Test Week: Let's talk about Sewage

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 21 Aug 20
🔬 Science Infectious Diseases
  1. Testing sewage for the novel coronavirus can help in early detection of outbreaks before they spread widely.
  2. Analyzing sewage can provide valuable information about the presence of infectious diseases in a population, and monitoring waste patterns could lead to new public health insights.
  3. Challenges in using sewage testing for surveillance include factors like rainwater affecting the virus presence, variations in viral material survival, and the need for careful data interpretation.

Manage Expectations

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  1. People enjoy autonomy and want positive affirmations in decisions regarding health recommendations.
  2. It's important to understand that eradicating COVID-19 completely is impossible, but controlling it is feasible through vaccination and other preventive measures.
  3. The key to moving forward in this new era is through vaccinations, staying updated on health screenings, and being aware of the measures needed to control COVID-19.

Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?

News from Those Nerdy Girls • 0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases
  1. To stop the spread of Norovirus, use bleach, wash hands, avoid sharing, close the lid, and stay home if possible for two days.
  2. Norovirus is highly contagious and causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headaches, and fatigue.
  3. Key tips to prevent Norovirus spread: clean with bleach, wash hands thoroughly, avoid sharing items, close the toilet lid, and stay home to recover and prevent further spread.