The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Big Pharma Millions Behind Attacks On Trump’s FDA Nominee

Public • 419 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Dr. Marty Makary has been nominated by Trump to be the commissioner of the FDA. He has some controversial views that have stirred up discussions among experts.
  2. There are claims that attacks on Makary's nomination are backed by the pharmaceutical industry. This situation raises questions about conflicting interests in health policy.
  3. Makary defends other controversial figures, suggesting they have evolved in their views. However, this has led to further criticism from leading health experts.

Ralph Baric, the world's top coronavirus researcher, discussed "human adaptation" of coronaviruses with the CIA before Covid began

Unreported Truths • 42 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Dr. Ralph Baric has significant connections with U.S. intelligence agencies, discussing coronavirus research with them before the outbreak of Covid-19.
  2. Baric's partnership with the Wuhan Institute of Virology raises questions about the lab's safety and the origins of the virus.
  3. Despite being central to controversial research, Baric has largely avoided public scrutiny or accountability regarding his work and its implications.

UK Government Agency Is Refusing To Release Data On COVID Vaccines And Excess Deaths

Unmasked • 37 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Governments pushed hard for COVID rules like masks and vaccinations, often ignoring or downplaying any opposition. They kept saying vaccines were 100% effective and that only unvaccinated people were at risk.
  2. Despite many claims being proven wrong over time, the push for vaccinations and boosters never slowed down. There was always a focus on getting everyone vaccinated, no matter what the data said.
  3. Some governments are now refusing to share data about vaccine effects and deaths, which raises concerns about transparency and accountability in health decisions.
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How to Survive a Government That Wants to Sacrifice You for Profit

OK Doomer • 141 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Food safety has become a serious issue due to job cuts at the FDA and CDC, which means fewer inspections and oversight. This makes it harder to ensure the safety of the food we eat.
  2. Reports show that foodborne illnesses and related hospitalizations have drastically increased, highlighting the critical impact of these cuts. This situation suggests that our health might not be a priority for the government.
  3. It's important for individuals to be aware of these changes and take steps to protect themselves from food contamination and related health risks.

Cold water on Coldwater Creek

Gordian Knot News • 117 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Coldwater Creek was contaminated by uranium waste, leading to concerns about cancer rates among nearby residents. However, past studies didn't find a significant increase in cancer rates compared to other areas.
  2. The CDC studied exposure risks from different radioactive materials and suggested that the main concern was radium, which can cause bone cancer. They found that the potential risks were lower than initially feared.
  3. Harvard's recent study claimed to link cancer rates with the creek's contamination but confused types of radiation-related cancers. Their findings were criticized for not accurately reflecting the real risks of the contaminants.

My Brain Is Fried — Let’s Do A Quick Singal-Minded Exclusive Ask Me Anything RIGHT NOW

Singal-Minded • 359 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The author is working on two important pieces of writing related to youth gender medicine, which are coming soon.
  2. There's a concern about misinformation spreading in this field, especially regarding a response to a review on youth gender medicine.
  3. Despite feeling overwhelmed, the author is open to answering questions for a short time through an Ask Me Anything session.

MSG Isn’t Just "Salt on Crack" — It Can Save Millions of Lives

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🍲 Food & Drink Public Health
  1. Cardiovascular diseases are one of the biggest threats to human life, causing millions of deaths every year. Managing diet, especially sodium intake, is key to reducing this risk.
  2. MSG, or monosodium glutamate, can help lower salt intake without sacrificing flavor. It enhances food taste, making it easier for people to enjoy healthier meals.
  3. Using MSG in cooking can be a simple way to save lives by reducing sodium in our diets. It's time to change how we think about this ingredient and see it as part of a health solution.

Jabs for the rich, moralising for the poor

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. We need to talk about fairness in healthcare, especially when it comes to rich people getting better access to treatments than poorer people. It feels unfair when the rules seem to change based on your income.
  2. The government's new app may seem simple, but it's a big step in changing how the British state works. This could mean more digital services in the future.
  3. There's a problem with how we build and supply housing in cities. Finding ways to fix these bottlenecks is important for making sure everyone has a place to live.

Heterodox Views In The Academy Could Save Lives

Heterodox STEM • 142 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The lab leak theory is still debated, but political biases can influence how openly this is discussed in science.
  2. Gain-of-function research helps study viruses but poses risks, as it could lead to pandemics if not handled properly.
  3. Honest communication about scientific topics can help build public trust, which is crucial for handling future health crises.

Hawaii "Keep Vaccines Optional" Rally

Who is Robert Malone • 13 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse, promote, and even mandate widespread childhood COVID-19 vaccination despite claims of risk of death and disability in children.
  2. A "Keep Vaccines Optional" rally took place in Hilo (Big Island) on January 9, 2026, and a video of the address is available.
  3. Coverage of the rally is published publicly as part of a reader-supported newsletter that encourages sharing and subscriptions.

State of Affairs: Feb 22

Your Local Epidemiologist • 904 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Influenza-like illnesses are still prevalent, especially among children, and the season could continue until April or May.
  2. COVID-19 levels in wastewater are high nationally, with a strange pattern in the South, but hospitalizations remain lower than last year.
  3. Flu hospitalizations are stable, RSV cases are decreasing, and there is concern about a rising number of measles cases across several states.

Eating out, helping out

Logging the World • 239 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The UK's Eat Out to Help Out scheme of August 2020 is under scrutiny in connection with the COVID public inquiry.
  2. Data suggests that admissions were shrinking during the Eat Out to Help Out period, and growth started after the scheme ended.
  3. It's crucial for inquiries to consider instances when warnings were ignored but outcomes weren't catastrophic, to avoid future overreactions.

Florida’s recommendations give room for measles to spread

Your Local Epidemiologist • 889 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Florida's health department made controversial recommendations that contradict standard practice guidelines for managing measles outbreaks, risking the spread of the disease.
  2. Isolation after measles exposure is critical to prevent transmission since measles is highly contagious compared to other viruses and has a long incubation period.
  3. Measles can have severe consequences, including hospitalization, pneumonia, and encephalitis, highlighting the importance of following established guidelines and maintaining high vaccination rates.

Medical Heretics from Rome to COVID

Bastiat's Window • 235 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Western medicine has a history of stifling dissent and vilifying those who question medical orthodoxy.
  2. The intertwining of social action projects and medical practice has led to harmful consequences in history and is a growing concern, especially since COVID.
  3. Trends in medical education and public health are increasingly influenced by politics and ideology, posing threats to medical care quality and civil society norms.

How (Not) To Prevent Youth Suicide

Mental Disorder • 235 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Many suicide prevention programs are not evidence-based or effective in reducing suicide rates.
  2. Suicide interventions often focus on raising awareness and talking, but the best way to reduce suicide is to change the environment to limit access to means.
  3. Simple actions like building barriers to prevent jumping from bridges and restricting access to guns can be effective in preventing suicides.

No evidence that the US childhood vaccine schedule saves lives

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. There is a claim that no credible study shows the US childhood vaccine schedule, or any vaccine schedule worldwide, provides an overall net mortality or morbidity benefit.
  2. Real-world examples are cited saying unvaccinated children in some pediatric practices and communities like the Amish appear healthier and have lower rates of conditions such as autism.
  3. The argument insists vaccine mandates and mainstream messaging rest on belief rather than solid evidence, and that media and health authorities are ignoring or suppressing this lack of proof.

Why can't anyone show us the study showing vaccines save lives?

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. No US record-level study has been found showing fully vaccinated children have lower all-cause mortality than under-vaccinated peers, despite searches by humans and AI.
  2. Many studies offered as evidence don’t meet the specific criteria cited here — they can be non-US, use modeled data, focus on single vaccines or short time windows, or lack individual record-level information.
  3. Because of the claimed absence of such US record-level evidence, the argument is that vaccine mandates rest on belief rather than direct data, and that a proper study should be done before mandating mass childhood vaccination.

The Two Lies that killed Nuclear Power 2.0

Gordian Knot News • 300 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🔬 Science Public Health
  1. Nuclear power has been hurt by two major misconceptions: that major accidents are unlikely and any release of radiation would be disastrous. Both ideas oversimplify complex realities.
  2. The belief that all radiation exposure is harmful has led to expensive safety measures in nuclear plants, making them less competitive against cheaper energy sources like oil and coal.
  3. Evidence shows that our bodies can repair some damage from radiation and that low-level exposure doesn't necessarily lead to serious health issues, challenging common fears about nuclear safety.

ACIP Cliff notes: Feb 28

Your Local Epidemiologist • 853 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. CDC recommends older adults receive a second Covid-19 vaccine in the spring, especially those over 65.
  2. The majority of people hospitalized for Covid-19 were not up-to-date on their annual vaccine, with specific risk factors common among them.
  3. Vaccine coverage challenges in the US stem from concerns like unknown side effects, lack of trust, and physician recommendations.

Can we make mosquitoes resist malaria?

De Novo • 99 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🔬 Science Public Health
  1. Researchers are working on a new gene drive to help mosquitoes resist malaria. This approach could be a new way to fight the disease without reducing mosquito populations.
  2. The gene drive targets a specific gene in mosquitoes to prevent malaria parasites from spreading. This means fewer mosquitoes would carry the malaria parasite after feeding on infected blood.
  3. There are still questions to answer about this approach, like how effective it would be in different mosquito species and whether it could lead to new issues with mosquito populations.

Statistical Methods Links

In My Tribe • 303 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to face mental health issues. This shows a clear relationship between social media use and negative effects on mental well-being.
  2. Historical evidence suggests that violence can lead to increased social advantages, but it doesn't prove that violence is beneficial overall. There could be alternative outcomes for peaceful behavior that aren't considered.
  3. Combining multiple studies doesn't automatically correct biases in research. If all the studies have flaws, their average result will likely still be flawed.

New Study: Higher-than-Expected Fetal Losses after mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination in Early Pregnancy

jackanapes • 139 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Women vaccinated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in early pregnancy experienced more fetal losses than expected. This means that for every 100 women vaccinated, there were more losses than what was normally seen.
  2. Most of these losses happened later in pregnancy, especially after week 24. This suggests that there are possible biological reasons behind the increase in losses, not just behavioral factors.
  3. In contrast, women who got the flu vaccine during the same early pregnancy window actually had fewer losses than expected. This comparison helps show that the risks associated with the COVID-19 vaccine might be different.

With Public Trust In Decline, Medical Establishment And Media Lash Out At Kennedy And Bhattacharya

Public • 386 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Trust in medical institutions is decreasing, especially after issues with Covid, gender discussions, and addiction treatments. This loss of trust is causing people to question the authority of these institutions.
  2. There are growing concerns about the potential nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to significant health positions. Many believe their views could harm public health and spread misinformation.
  3. Experts warn that if these nominations happen, it could lead to worse health outcomes for Americans. There's fear that promoting anti-science ideas could result in increased sickness and death.

The Hidden Cost Of Unreliable Insurance

An Educated Guess • 290 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Profit-driven health insurance can harm people's health instead of helping them. When companies prioritize making money, they can exploit their customers.
  2. Trust is really important in health insurance. If people feel taken advantage of, they won't believe their insurance will truly support them when they need it.
  3. Having health insurance can provide peace of mind and improve mental health. Just knowing you're covered can help reduce anxiety and depression, but many profit-driven plans don't offer this sense of security.

Toxic Avengers

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The administration is rolling back chemical and environmental safeguards and reallowing toxic substances like paraquat, chlorpyrifos, and PFAS, which will raise cancer, neurological, and developmental harms.
  2. These policy changes will hit farmworkers, low-income and minority communities hardest and contaminate water and food for millions, creating huge long-term health and cleanup costs other countries are trying to avoid.
  3. The drive to deregulate is driven by prioritizing corporate profit and political power over public health, treating harm as an acceptable externality and sustained by misinformation and loyalist support rather than rational self-interest.

Top Links 596 What difference did the IRA make? Cholera deaths and Clark on Anderson on World War I.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The IRA's impact is being analyzed, looking at how significant it was. It's important to understand historical events and their effects on today's world.
  2. Cholera deaths are discussed to highlight public health issues and their historical context. This reminds us of the importance of sanitation and health systems.
  3. The mention of World War I and key figures shows the relevance of history in understanding current affairs. Learning about the past helps us navigate today’s complexities.

RFK jr is confirmed!

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 273 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. We need a better system to watch vaccine safety. The current ones are not good enough to catch all problems.
  2. The US should ban harmful dyes and pesticides that are already banned in other countries like the EU and Australia.
  3. People working at the FDA should not also work for big drug companies for a set time to avoid conflicts of interest.

Marty Makary: Is the First Good Pick for FDA commissioner in a long time

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 380 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Marty Makary is seen as a strong candidate for FDA commissioner with a history of standing up against corporate interests in healthcare. He's known for questioning common government policies during COVID, advocating for decisions based on evidence.
  2. Media coverage tends to portray Marty negatively, often ignoring his valid criticisms of lockdowns and vaccine mandates. His positions centered on protecting the vulnerable and ensuring informed consent are highlighted.
  3. Marty has a reputation for being open-minded and thoughtful in his approach to medicine. He aims to improve healthcare systems and make them more accessible, which is appreciated by some of his colleagues.

Was The 2024 Election Stolen?

OK Doomer • 141 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Some people believe that the 2024 election was stolen, but there are many opinions and theories about it. It's important to look at all the evidence before jumping to conclusions.
  2. The impact of COVID-19 on children is serious, with many now facing long-term health issues. Decisions made during the pandemic have lasting effects, especially on kids.
  3. Conspiracy theories can spread quickly and influence people's beliefs. It's healthy to question things, but always seek reliable information.

Safe Holidays

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Take a break and enjoy some time off during the holidays. It's important to relax and refresh.
  2. Consider supporting causes that matter, like donating to help Ukraine. Every little bit can make a difference.
  3. Stay safe while celebrating with family and friends. Prioritize health and well-being during this festive season.

Three Years In

Force of Infection • 107 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The newsletter has evolved to focus more on everyday health issues rather than just major outbreaks. This change came from reader feedback about what they find most helpful.
  2. Over the past three years, the newsletter has gained a large audience, reaching over 42,000 readers in many countries. This shows that people value the information provided.
  3. Looking ahead, there is a desire for ongoing input from readers to improve the newsletter. The goal remains to offer clear, trustworthy health information that helps readers make better choices.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 10

Force of Infection • 269 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The flu season is at a record high, with about 1 in 13 doctor visits now related to flu symptoms. This is the worst flu outbreak we have seen in over ten years.
  2. Young children are most affected by the flu, but older adults are at a greater risk for severe illness. It's important for everyone to take precautions to stay healthy.
  3. To prevent the flu, people should wear masks in crowded places, improve ventilation indoors, wash hands often, and get vaccinated. If infected, antivirals can help reduce illness duration.

Checking in on the summer covid season

Force of Infection • 104 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Influenza-like illnesses are currently very low across the country, with almost no hospitalizations. This means fewer people are visiting doctors for flu symptoms right now.
  2. COVID-19 activity is also low, but some states are seeing slight increases in cases and hospitalizations. Hawaii and Florida are the areas to watch as their numbers have been rising.
  3. Norovirus has been active this year, with a new strain causing concern. It's important to stay informed about food recalls and safety alerts, especially regarding unpasteurized milk products.

Climate “Endangerment”

David Friedman’s Substack • 242 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Health
  1. The debate about climate change includes arguments about whether its overall effects are negative or if there can be positive impacts too. It's important to look at both sides to really understand the issue.
  2. Some scientists believe that overturning a key EPA finding on climate endangerment would be very hard, especially when many signs show that climate change is already hurting people now.
  3. There's a worry that a mistaken belief in a scientific consensus on climate change could be maintained because researchers often rely on each other's work. This can lead to bias if everyone is already leaning towards the same conclusion.

getting squirrely

bad cattitude • 372 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. A squirrel named Peanut was taken from his home by health officials after a complaint, even though he was a beloved pet. This incident raises concerns about government overreach and the treatment of innocent animals.
  2. Many people reacted strongly online, showing that this event struck a chord with public sentiment regarding personal rights and the power of regulation. It symbolizes a larger issue of government's intrusion into private lives.
  3. The situation highlights the idea that if people accept small violations of their rights, larger issues can follow. It's crucial to uphold the sanctity of one's home and personal freedom to prevent further abuses.