The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 6

Force of Infection • 90 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Vaccination Health Education Food Safety
  1. Influenza-like illnesses are at a peak, especially affecting young children the most. Parents should be cautious and ensure their kids are staying healthy during this time.
  2. COVID-19 levels are rising again, with some regions seeing more severe cases. It's important to stay vigilant and consider precautions if you're in a high-risk area.
  3. Norovirus is spreading quickly, with test positivity rates very high. It's a good idea to wash hands frequently and be aware of food recalls to avoid sickness.

Jay Bhattacharya is a superb pick for NIH director

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 209 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Analysis Epidemiology Healthcare systems Health Equity
  1. Jay Bhattacharya wants to study the effects of lockdowns and other COVID-19 measures. He believes this research will help prevent similar harsh actions in the future.
  2. He plans to improve how scientific research is done, focusing on making findings repeatable and clear. This could really help how science is understood and applied.
  3. Jay aims to change leadership rules at NIH and make grant processes better through trials. He believes changes in these areas could lead to more effective research.

Covid Situation Report: Jun 27, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 239 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Healthcare policy Vaccination
  1. Covid cases in England are rising again, especially in the North East and North West, but they are still at relatively low levels overall.
  2. Deaths from Covid have slightly increased recently, but they remain lower compared to last year, with only 101 deaths recorded for a recent week.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is ending soon, and while 55% of those eligible have received it, many immunocompromised individuals still need to get vaccinated.

Tuskegee for everyone

Disaffected Newsletter • 2358 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Vaccination Debate Chronic Illness Healthcare system
  1. Many people are starting to distrust the medical system, especially after the experiences during Covid and how vaccines were handled. It's important to question the advice given and think critically about health decisions.
  2. Listening to your intuition about your health can be crucial. Signs of something wrong shouldn't be ignored, and recognizing these early can save lives.
  3. Chronic health advice, like dietary recommendations, can often be wrong or outdated. People should be open to new information and trust their own experiences over established guidelines.

Sabotaging RFK Jr's confirmation will increase vaccine hesitancy

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 197 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Policy Regulation
  1. Blocking RFK Jr.'s confirmation could make more people anxious about getting vaccines. This is bad for public health.
  2. Scott Gottlieb has made decisions that may hurt trust in the FDA. His past actions raise concerns about his true intentions.
  3. To reduce vaccine hesitancy, it's better to approve RFK Jr. so he can help produce more research and answer important questions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Problems of the Modern World

David Friedman’s Substack • 188 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental health Mental health Social Issues
  1. There are many problems in the modern world, like rising autism rates, obesity, and lifestyle changes, but their causes are not always clear.
  2. Different factors, such as environmental changes, political decisions, and lifestyle habits, might be contributing to these issues.
  3. Identifying the true causes of these problems is complex and might require more research to understand what’s really happening.

Pandemic and Panopticon: The Rise of the Biomedical Security State

Human Flourishing • 2181 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccine Mandates Global Health Biosecurity
  1. During the pandemic, extreme measures like lockdowns and vaccine mandates were imposed with little debate or explanation.
  2. The biomedical security state involves magnifying risks, imposing control on citizens, justifying surveillance and merging public health with military-industrial complex.
  3. The global elite aim to establish a new world order using entities like the World Economic Forum and International Monetary Fund, pushing for international pandemic treaties and digital IDs.

Why is Musk-Trump the "Mump Regime"?

Thinking about... • 578 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Public Health Elections
  1. The 'Mump regime' is a term used to describe the influence of Elon Musk and Donald Trump together. This new name suggests that Musk's role is more significant than Trump's, especially considering Musk's wealth and power.
  2. Health and democracy are connected, and the rise of the Mump regime may threaten public health initiatives, like vaccination. This could lead to increased illness and instability in society.
  3. The terms 'mumpers' and 'mumpets' help us understand who actively supports the Mump regime versus those who passively follow. This new vocabulary allows for clearer conversations about politics today.

Bah Humbug: No Matter How Hard They Try, Masks Still Don't Work

Unmasked • 113 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Mask Mandates COVID-19 Medical Research
  1. Masks have been debated since the pandemic began, but many experts still believe they don't work effectively. This has led to ongoing discussions among people who support or oppose their use.
  2. Past studies attempting to prove the effectiveness of masks have often been criticized for their flaws and misleading results. This has caused skepticism about the reliability of mask research.
  3. Recent studies that promote mask-wearing continue to fuel the belief among some groups, but they are viewed by others as inaccurate or propaganda. This division highlights the ongoing controversy over mask mandates.

'Experts' Running The COVID Playbook Again As Mask Mandates Return

Unmasked • 86 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Debate Pandemic response
  1. Some COVID-19 policies were based on arrogance and made without admitting they failed. It's worrying when experts ignore their mistakes and push for restrictions continuously.
  2. The pandemic showed how dangerous it is when authority figures act with big egos and lack accountability. This issue hasn't disappeared even years later.
  3. Despite all the evidence against them, some people still believe in the effectiveness of masks. Many experts have criticized masks, saying they haven't worked as promised.

CDC Director Is Exhibit A That 'Experts' Have Learned Nothing From COVID

Unmasked • 73 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Analysis Crisis Management Pandemic response
  1. The CDC made mistakes in managing COVID-19, like failing to roll out tests properly and giving confusing mask advice. This led to a lot of public criticism.
  2. Their guidance on masks changed too many times without strong evidence to support the changes. They often relied on poor studies that were quickly disproven.
  3. Despite the backlash and criticism, the CDC didn't seem to learn from their mistakes or adjust their approach effectively during the pandemic.

Links in Progress: Snakebites, Pig Hearts, and More

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Medicine Genetics Public Health Pharmaceuticals
  1. An AI tool has been developed to create a new kind of antivenom that can work without refrigeration. This could help save many lives, especially in areas where snakebites are common.
  2. A study showed that a vaccine for Ebola had an 84% effectiveness in preventing the disease in high-risk groups. This is good news for controlling future outbreaks.
  3. New technologies in gene editing and drug development are rapidly evolving, with Chinese companies making significant strides in creating new treatments.

The "cost" of COVID-19

Independent SAGE continues • 699 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Long Covid Healthcare Costs Economic Impact
  1. COVID-19 is still an economic issue, and the impact of Long Covid needs to be considered in vaccine decisions. Vaccination helps prevent Long Covid, but we don't fully understand how long this protection lasts.
  2. Many people are unable to access vaccines, especially children. In contrast, other countries widely vaccinate kids, while the UK has limited offers.
  3. Long Covid can significantly affect people's ability to work and has a heavy economic burden. This includes healthcare costs and loss of income, which could impact the economy in the long run.

The Mump Regime

Thinking about... • 552 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Public Health Political Influence Regime Change
  1. The government may be shifting from traditional administration to a new kind of regime led by influential figures like Musk and Trump. This change means that financial power could have more influence than elected positions.
  2. Public health is a significant issue in the U.S., and a lack of a national health system leads to greater health problems among citizens. This situation can result in more anxiety and shorter lives for many people.
  3. With debates over vaccination and health policies, there is a real concern that society could face outbreaks of preventable diseases like mumps and measles due to weakened health protections.

If You Have Pests, Now Feels Like The Time to Deal with Them.

OK Doomer • 84 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Disease Prevention Sustainable Practices
  1. Using poison for pests can lead to serious problems, like dead animals causing bad smells in your home. It’s better to try and keep them out in the first place.
  2. Mice can carry diseases that can affect humans, so it's important to get rid of them quickly. A mouse problem is serious and can affect the safety of your home.
  3. One effective way to prevent pests, especially in apartments, is to protect your vents. Keeping these areas secure can help stop pests from getting in.

AMNESTY? You said you want amnesty, forgiveness? Absolutely fucking not! We will not let you go, all you in the fraud fake von-COVID pandemic, never was, all you who abused our elderly, killed them

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 943 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Strong opposition to amnesty and forgiveness for those involved in the COVID-19 pandemic fraud and abuse of the elderly.
  2. Criticism towards individuals who developed mRNA technology and COVID gene injections, branding them as murderers and money-driven.
  3. Call for accountability through judicial processes for all involved in the alleged COVID-19 crimes, including medical professionals.

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 Public Health Epidemiology Infectious Diseases Pandemic Preparedness Vaccination
  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.

The Dose: This week's public health explained (Oct 11)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 959 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Epidemiology Chronic diseases Health Policy
  1. Free Covid-19 tests are now available for all. You can order them online and they will be delivered to your home.
  2. Obesity rates in the U.S. are showing some decline after many years of increase, but the drop could be uncertain and isn't significant yet.
  3. Routine vaccinations for kids are dropping, which is concerning. More children are unvaccinated against diseases like measles, and this trend needs to be addressed to prevent outbreaks.

You're Going to Need More than NyQuil This Winter

OK Doomer • 144 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Wellness Disease Prevention
  1. This winter, we might need more than just traditional medicines like NyQuil to stay healthy. New health threats are on the horizon, including new pandemics and infections that current treatments may not handle well.
  2. Plants can offer a natural defense against viruses. Research shows that certain plant compounds have strong antiviral properties and can help block infections from viruses like COVID-19.
  3. Revisiting the use of plants for health tools is important again. With vaccines and treatments becoming less reliable, looking into natural remedies could be a good way to stay protected.

The Dose (October 18)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 883 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Vaccination Infectious Diseases Food Safety Epidemiology
  1. Currently, levels of Covid-19, flu, and RSV are low, which is a good time to get your vaccines.
  2. A recall of over 11.7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat is happening due to detected Listeria bacteria, so stay cautious.
  3. In California, H5N1 bird flu is spreading among dairy farms, but the overall risk to the public is still low.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 20.02.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Defense Policy Media Criticism Public Health
  1. There are concerns about how governments and media handle information regarding wars, similar to how it was during the Vietnam War. People are worried that the truth is being manipulated.
  2. The dialogue about peace in Ukraine is changing, particularly with Trump speaking directly to Russia, which has upset European leaders. They feel sidelined in the discussions.
  3. There is a growing fear and paranoia about Russia's actions and intentions in Europe, with calls for increased military readiness despite a lack of evidence for immediate threats.

Nullification of voices, scientists, doctors who stood up against mRNA technology & mRNA vaccine; inside, deep insiders warn me that move is afoot to TURN, to get high-ranking anti-mRNA voices to turn

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 884 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Misinformation Public Health Medical Ethics Health Risks
  1. There is an effort to nullify voices of scientists and doctors who oppose mRNA technology and vaccines, attempting to make them change their stance.
  2. Insiders are suggesting a move to persuade high-ranking anti-mRNA voices to soften their language and reports to prepare the public for acceptance of mRNA technology.
  3. Be cautious of potential infiltration by individuals admired and followed in the areas of mRNA technology and vaccines, as there may be attempts to misdirect and sway public opinion.

Come On, Peggy Noonan, Just Say You Were Wrong

COVID Reason • 1606 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Media influence Public Health Pandemic response Political Commentary
  1. Many public figures refuse to admit when they are wrong about past events.
  2. It is important for pundits to acknowledge past mistakes, as it can be a positive and honest gesture.
  3. The truth about past events, especially in public health policies, must be acknowledged and understood for the future.

A simple suggestion for RFK Jr to end corruption in medicine

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 189 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Pharmaceuticals Public Health Government Policy Healthcare Reform
  1. RFK Jr. wants to fight corruption in medicine, especially the money doctors take from pharmaceutical companies. It's important to have honest practices to benefit patients.
  2. A proposed change is to limit the number of doctors in advisory groups who have received money from drug companies. This could start at no more than 60% in 2025 and end with 0% by 2028.
  3. By having fewer conflicts of interest, doctors might focus more on what's best for patients rather than just following drug company interests. This could lead to better healthcare decisions.

The NRC's Mission Statement

Gordian Knot News • 95 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Nuclear policy Regulation Government Public Health
  1. The NRC needs to update its mission statement to promote more efficient and less restrictive use of nuclear energy while still focusing on public safety.
  2. The ADVANCE Act didn't really change much beyond the mission statement, and it doesn't force the NRC to consider the benefits of nuclear power.
  3. To really fix the issues with nuclear energy regulation, a new system that balances benefits and risks is necessary instead of just changing mission statements.

Science, Policy, and Values

Your Local Epidemiologist • 904 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Misinformation Policy decisions Trust Issues
  1. It's important to separate facts from opinions when discussing science and policy. Confusing the two can lead to mistrust in both.
  2. Values play a big role in public health decisions, and people often disagree on what should take priority, like saving lives versus personal freedom.
  3. We need clear and honest communication about scientific uncertainty. People want to understand evolving data, not just fixed facts.

Foundational Steps Vital on the Road to Universal Health Care

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 379 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Industry Economic Impact Public Health
  1. Incremental changes in health care shouldn't be viewed negatively. They can be seen as essential steps that help us get closer to universal health care.
  2. The pandemic showed how unprepared many health systems were, revealing deep flaws that need fixing for better care in the future.
  3. Fighting for universal health care means understanding the complex ties between health care and finance, as both sectors are deeply connected and affect each other's success.

How Your Immune System Actually Works

OK Doomer • 104 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunity Disease Prevention Public Health
  1. People often think we need to get sick to strengthen our immune systems, but that's a myth. Our immune system needs more education on how to fight pathogens, not just practice with harmful germs.
  2. Many misunderstandings about the immune system persist because of cultural references and misinformation. It's important to have a clear understanding of how our bodies actually work to combat illness.
  3. Preparing for health challenges requires not just managing outbreaks but also improving public knowledge about immunity. It's vital for everyone to be scientifically literate about their health.

Between Trump Terms, Biden Quietly Killed Public Health

OK Doomer • 146 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Issues Government Action Pandemic response Health care
  1. The end of the mask mandate on planes showed how quickly people were ready to celebrate personal freedoms, even if it worried others. Many people seemed to ignore the health risks involved.
  2. After a period of silence on health issues, some writers are now blaming past leaders for future health crises. This shift indicates a potential return of public focus on health threats.
  3. There’s a growing concern about how health policies are being handled between different administrations. The decisions made can have long-lasting effects on public health and safety.

It's All-Out War On the Vulnerable

¡Do Not Panic! • 1159 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disability Rights Government Policies COVID-19 Response Social Welfare
  1. The British government eliminated the position of minister for disabled people, impacting the representation of disabled individuals.
  2. The US government aims to change the definition of disability to reduce the number of people classified as disabled.
  3. Governments are implementing policies that underreport disabilities, showing a lack of responsibility towards vulnerable populations.

The Enemy is Us on Health Policy

In My Tribe • 440 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Policy Analysis Public Health Consumer behavior Health economics
  1. Many Americans see health care as a gift, not a product, which makes it hard to talk about costs. Doctors want to be paid, but they don't want to think of themselves as selling their services.
  2. There are certain cultural attitudes that shape the way our health care system works today. These attitudes include the reluctance to view health care as a commodity.
  3. People often ignore other ways resources can be used when it comes to health care. This can create issues in how we manage and think about health care policies.

The Real Science on Masks: They Make No Difference

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5745 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Masks CDC Pandemic Risk Assessment
  1. The most authoritative estimate shows masks do not significantly reduce the spread of Covid-19 or other respiratory illnesses.
  2. Cochrane, a respected health organization, conducted a review concluding that all types of face coverings probably make little or no difference in reducing respiratory illness spread.
  3. The CDC and public health officials continue to recommend masks despite lack of strong evidence, ignoring downsides like social, psychological, and medical problems.

The PBM-insurer mafia comes for community pharmacies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Healthcare Reform Insurance Regulations Public Health
  1. Big Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) like UnitedHealth and Cigna are pushing independent pharmacies out of business. They drop reimbursement rates, making it harder for these smaller pharmacies to survive.
  2. The financial troubles for independent pharmacies are linked to complex fees and lack of transparency from PBMs. Many pharmacies are struggling with fees that keep rising unexpectedly.
  3. Without independent pharmacies, people might face longer waits for medications and less personalized care. It's important for lawmakers to step in and make changes to support these community pharmacies.

I'm Back!

Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Education Policy decisions Journalism Books
  1. The newsletter is back after a long break due to work on a book and other opportunities. Readers can expect new posts, but the schedule might be a bit irregular.
  2. The author's new book, _An Abundance of Caution_, will be released soon. It focuses on the impact of school closures during the pandemic and has received good feedback from respected figures.
  3. Preordering the book is very important. It helps with marketing and shows bookstores how much demand there is for it.

NO, Bill Gates didn't fund genetically altered mosquitoes to stop malaria--it's far worse than that.

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1611 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Malaria Ethics
  1. Genetically altered mosquitoes released in Florida and California are not linked to the recent malaria cases in the US.
  2. It is essential to seek the truth and not fall for misinformation, especially when it aligns with preconceived beliefs.
  3. Experimental interventions like genetically modified mosquitoes and vaccines raise concerns about unintended consequences and the manipulation of nature.