The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Optimism of the will

Comment is Freed • 66 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The new NHS plan is ambitious but lacks clear steps on how to achieve its goals. It has many ideas but doesn't explain how to address current problems or fund the changes.
  2. There is a trend in the plan to shift healthcare services into local centers, but this has been tried before without success. The history of similar proposals is not properly considered.
  3. While it's good to be optimistic about making changes, ignoring the real challenges and barriers can lead to problems. It's important to balance hope with a realistic understanding of obstacles.

An open letter to readers: back to what Unreported Truths does best

Unreported Truths • 57 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Focus on topics you know best, like medicine, to give readers valuable insights. It's important to stick to what you do well.
  2. Listening to reader feedback can help improve your content and ensure it stays relevant. Readers appreciate when their preferences are considered.
  3. Writing about less controversial topics may provide more value than engaging in heated debates. It's better to cover important issues than to get caught up in arguments.

The difference between the US childhood vaccination schedule and Denmark's

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 195 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. There are big differences between the childhood vaccination schedules in the US and Denmark. Studying these differences could help us understand which method works better for kids.
  2. A cluster randomized trial could test the effectiveness of the US vaccination schedule compared to Denmark's. This means grouping areas to follow one schedule or the other and then measuring health outcomes.
  3. There's a lot of uncertainty about which vaccination approach is best. By collecting better data, we can start to settle these important questions instead of just accepting existing beliefs.

A San Francisco professor is glad to get Covid and wrote about it

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 181 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The professor felt grateful to get Covid, believing it confirmed that avoiding the virus for so long didn't guarantee safety. She took many precautions, but still got infected, showing that complete avoidance is nearly impossible.
  2. The article suggests that the number of vaccine doses given now may not be effective, especially since the virus has changed. The biggest protection was seen with the first dose, and there isn't much evidence for needing many more.
  3. Masking practices by some families seem to be more about social pressure than actual effectiveness. There's little evidence that selectively wearing masks helps prevent respiratory viruses in casual settings.

Sabotaging RFK Jr's confirmation will increase vaccine hesitancy

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 197 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  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.
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Yes, Wipe Down Surfaces. No, Don't Hoard Cleaning Products. Try HOCl.

OK Doomer • 141 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. It's important to wipe down surfaces to prevent the spread of germs, especially when illnesses like the flu are on the rise.
  2. Instead of hoarding cleaning products, try using hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a simpler and effective germ killer.
  3. The flu season is currently very severe, even worse than COVID-19 in some cases, so taking precautions is essential for safety.

I Have been Appointed Co-Chair of the ACIP Committee

Who is Robert Malone • 71 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The author has been appointed co-chair of the ACIP committee, which is related to immunization practices. This role was unexpected for them.
  2. They expressed a commitment to being objective, honest, and transparent in this new position.
  3. The author appreciates the support they've received from their subscribers over the years and values their connection with them.

NIH reduced indirects from 60+% to 15%: 10 things you should know

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 148 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The NIH has lowered the amount of money it gives to universities from over 60% to 15%. This means more money can go to actual researchers instead of administrative costs.
  2. This change will make universities operate differently, encouraging them to reduce unnecessary costs and possibly hold faculty more accountable for their behavior.
  3. Lowering these indirect costs could lead to more funding for research projects. Researchers might actually benefit from this change, as it could increase the number of grants available.

"Confessions of a Former Carrier Executive": my keynote address at the 2023 YOU Powered Symposium

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 279 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Big health insurance companies mainly focus on making their shareholders richer, often at the expense of patients.
  2. The speaker shared personal experiences from a career in the industry, highlighting the luxury lifestyle financed by policyholders and taxpayers.
  3. Despite record profits for insurance companies, many American families remain uninsured or underinsured.

Pausing NIH study sections is going to be fine

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 157 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Pausing NIH study sections can help bring necessary changes. It's a good opportunity to rethink how research funding is distributed.
  2. Current funding processes tend to support more conventional ideas rather than groundbreaking ones. There needs to be a push for more innovative and transformative research.
  3. If cuts happen in research funding, especially for less impactful areas, it could lead to better use of public dollars. We need to focus on research that truly makes a difference.

Exposed: The Hoax That Targeted Health Freedom

Who is Robert Malone • 18 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Two men tricked health freedom event attendees by pretending to be activists against fake meat and presenting a fake study that linked it to autism. They wanted to capture misleading interviews for a documentary.
  2. This deception was carefully planned, showing that some groups are using sneaky tactics to undermine health movements and discredit their leaders. It's important for people to stay aware and think critically.
  3. The incident highlights a larger issue where powerful organizations may fund misinformation campaigns to attack those who challenge their narratives. It's a reminder to be cautious about who you trust and what claims you accept.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 24

Force of Infection • 136 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Influenza cases have dropped recently, giving some relief, although numbers are still higher than usual. Improvements were seen across all age groups.
  2. COVID-19 activity varies by state, with some places seeing high case numbers while others have less. Overall hospitalizations are low now compared to past months.
  3. Norovirus remains very high across the country, and it's expected to stay elevated for a while. This season's peak may last longer than usual.

Artificial intelligence and mRNA vaccines are not going to cure cancer

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 156 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Artificial intelligence and mRNA vaccines are not expected to cure cancer. Both technologies have limitations that make them less effective in treating this complex disease.
  2. Cancer therapeutic vaccines have been studied extensively, but only one has received FDA approval, and it shows only a slight benefit in survival. Overall, these vaccines often do not work as hoped.
  3. AI struggles to diagnose cancer accurately and often lacks the needed data to improve this. Simply detecting cancer is not enough; finding the right treatment for each specific case is much more complicated.

Ending the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency

crimeandpunishment • 117 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The Biden Administration is transitioning out of the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency by letting declarations expire together in May 2023.
  2. The end of the emergency declarations may lead to higher costs for COVID tests and cuts to programs like SNAP benefits.
  3. Some leaders advocate for an immediate end to the emergency declarations, while others support a phased approach for a safer transition.

Problems of the Modern World

David Friedman’s Substack • 188 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  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.

Modesty is a Risk Factor for HIV.

Eat Shit and Prosper • 199 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. HIV made the jump to humans multiple times, mainly through eating infected primates. Understanding this helps us see how complex diseases spread.
  2. Certain natural substances, like a sugar-binding protein in bananas, might help reduce HIV's infectivity. It shows how nature can provide unexpected solutions.
  3. Being overly cautious or clean can backfire when it comes to health. Embracing natural behaviors might actually be better for preventing diseases like HIV.

Francis Collins retires from the NIH

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 128 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Francis Collins helped find the cystic fibrosis gene, which saved many lives. However, his support for gain of function research and certain policies during the pandemic raised concerns.
  2. Many believe that the impact of Collins' leadership during the pandemic was negative, leading to loss of trust in science and vaccination. His actions may have contributed to millions of deaths and economic losses.
  3. Collins did not explore if the way the NIH gives out grant money was effective. Despite advancements in genetics, many common health issues remain largely unresolved.

Episode 105: Give Me The Child

Disaffected Newsletter • 279 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Donald Trump is speaking out against transitioning kids and wants to stop institutions that he believes harm children.
  2. Some parents seem to be getting attention for abusing their kids by promoting gender transitions on social media.
  3. People are still facing job loss for refusing to wear face masks even after the pandemic has changed.

The Zionists Kill Doctors in Gaza and Silence Them Here (w/ Rupa Marya) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 156 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Hospitals are supposed to be safe places during war, but the attacks on medical facilities in Gaza are a serious violation of international law. Medical workers and their facilities should always be protected.
  2. There is a troubling connection between the silencing of healthcare workers in the U.S. and the violence against them in Gaza. By keeping doctors quiet here, it allows for the continuation of harm abroad.
  3. The ongoing health crisis in Gaza, caused by lack of resources and intentional targeting, is creating a humanitarian disaster. Immediate aid and changes in policy are needed to support the health and life of Palestinian people.

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 Public Health
  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 Singapore Economic Masterclass Missed by Africa & A Digital Heritage Reclamation

baobabnewsletter • 58 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Public Health
  1. Singapore's economic success story could teach African nations valuable lessons in governance and economic growth.
  2. Digital Benin project aims to digitally reconnect the Benin Bronzes with their community, setting a blueprint for cultural heritage reclamation globally.
  3. Italy's Africa summit focuses on boosting Africa's prosperity through investments, highlighting the importance of equal partnerships over charity.

The Thing We All Need to Survive. We Don't Get Nearly Enough.

OK Doomer • 146 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Health
  1. The world is facing many challenges like climate change, pandemics, and political issues. These problems are interconnected and make life more complicated.
  2. Truth and honesty are very important during tough times. We need to acknowledge reality and not hide from the truth.
  3. There is something essential for survival that we often overlook. It is as vital as food and water, but we rarely talk about it.

Food Safety News and Resources | December

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink Public Health
  1. A norovirus outbreak at a French school sickened about 400 students, staff, and teachers and caused multiple hospitalizations for vomiting and dehydration.
  2. A batch of infant formula in Europe was recalled after Bacillus cereus was detected during self-monitoring at a Nestlé production line, raising safety concerns for infants.
  3. Mixed developments in food safety: U.S. overseas food inspections have fallen to historic lows, peanut allergies in children are declining following early‑introduction guidance, and an updated IFS foreign‑body management guideline plus free webinars and resources are being promoted.

One Of CDC's Chief COVID Vaccine Messages Was Based On Misleading Information

Unmasked • 65 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The CDC's messaging during the COVID pandemic was often based on misleading information. This has raised concerns about their credibility and calls for reform.
  2. Issues have been noted regarding the studies the CDC used to support mask recommendations, with some results being misrepresented or not scientifically significant.
  3. The CDC's justifications for recommending COVID vaccines were also questioned, suggesting that their decisions weren't always based on accurate data.

Glyphosate - Drying Agent and Herbicide for Soy and Wheat and its Potential Health Impacts

Molecular Spectacular • 168 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Glyphosate, a common herbicide, has been linked to health risks like increased cancer risk and endocrine disruption. Many studies suggest a troubling connection between glyphosate levels in humans and serious health issues.
  2. Soy protein consumption is strongly connected to higher levels of glyphosate's byproduct, AMPA, in urine. This indicates that what we eat can affect how much of these chemicals we accumulate in our bodies.
  3. There are hints that glyphosate might disrupt gut health, which could impact digestion of gluten. This might be related to rising gluten allergies, especially in sensitive populations like infants.

The Long Road to End Tuberculosis

Asimov Press • 193 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major global health threat, killing around 1.2 million people each year despite vaccines and antibiotics that help in treatment. There is a pressing need for new medicines and vaccines to reduce TB cases and deaths significantly.
  2. The current BCG vaccine against TB has varied effectiveness, especially in adults, and has not been updated for decades. Newer vaccine candidates like M72/AS01E are being developed to provide better protection, particularly for adults.
  3. Antibiotic resistance in TB is a growing concern, making it harder to treat. New strategies to discover antibiotics and improve existing treatments are crucial for combating resistant strains of TB and ensuring effective patient care.

Florida Grand Jury Finds Average Citizens Aren’t Buying “Follow the Science” Propaganda on Masks and Social Distancing

The DisInformation Chronicle • 390 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Florida Grand Jury discovered that average citizens are skeptical of the 'follow the science' messaging regarding masks and social distancing.
  2. The CDC's data on masks from their journal MMWR was criticized for lacking quality science.
  3. Federal officials have hesitated to conduct a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) on masks, possibly due to concerns that the results might not support the effectiveness of masks in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses.

The media is getting Trump's biomedical policy decisions wrong b/c it refuses to discuss the big picture

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 118 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The media often overlooks the larger issues in biomedical policy and fails to connect the dots in their reporting. They focus too much on individual actions instead of discussing significant systemic problems.
  2. There is a need for reform in the current biomedical system, particularly regarding how funding and resources are allocated. Many aspects of this system are outdated and not effectively serving public health needs.
  3. It's important to have honest discussions about proposed changes in biomedical policies, rather than framing them as attacks on science. Constructive debate can lead to better solutions and improvements in healthcare.

URGENT: We need an independent and transparent investigation of mRNA Covid jab risks - from the ground up

Unreported Truths • 45 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. There is a need for an independent investigation into the safety of mRNA Covid vaccines due to rising public concern and distrust. Many people are worried about potential health risks linked to these vaccines.
  2. A recent violent incident involving a person believing the Covid jab harmed him highlights the deep fears surrounding vaccine safety. This reflects a broader crisis in public trust in health authorities.
  3. Public health officials need to address concerns about vaccine injuries realistically, rather than ignoring the issues. Honest communication is crucial to rebuild trust and understanding.

My email to Brown Professor Craig Spencer, M.D., MPH on his StatNews article

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. An open invitation asks a public health expert to have a civil, data-focused conversation about vaccine safety, aiming to stick to data and methods rather than rhetoric.
  2. The view that the medical community is simply 'correct and must earn trust' is challenged, with a key concern being that many credentialed experts refuse public, method-focused debates.
  3. Repeated attempts to engage prominent figures (including offers to Dr. Paul Offit and an instance where Peter Hotez reportedly declined to meet RFK) are seen as evidence that refusal to dialogue is the main barrier to finding the truth, and dialogue is promoted as the solution.

Happy Thanksgiving! (And I hope you will take advantage of this holiday discount and support UT!)

Unreported Truths • 14 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate what we have, like health and the freedoms we enjoy. It's nice to celebrate these moments with family and friends.
  2. There’s concern about how some companies, like Pfizer, handle important health information. It seems some critical results from their studies are not getting the attention they deserve.
  3. Supporting independent voices can help spread information that might not be covered by mainstream media. Engaging with different perspectives helps keep conversations interesting, even during family gatherings.

In Delhi it's the season to choke

The Global Jigsaw • 99 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Health
  1. In Delhi, the air pollution season is a serious health concern causing significant reductions in life expectancy.
  2. Both Beijing and Delhi face severe air pollution issues due to a combination of factors like geography, industrial sources, and weather.
  3. China has made significant progress in addressing air pollution through coordinated efforts including monitoring, pollution abatement, and restrictions on industries like coal-fired power plants.

What's Going on with Bird Flu This Winter?

OK Doomer • 17 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Bird flu, especially the H5N1 strain, has been spreading and mutating for about four years, causing concern among experts.
  2. New studies show that bird flu can spread among farmworkers and may even be present in the air, which is a shift from earlier beliefs that it wasn’t airborne.
  3. There are reports of misinformation and pressure in the farming industry about the virus, with more mainstream media acknowledging the seriousness of the situation as we approach a risky respiratory season.

Congress Corrects the Record on CDC Director Walensky’s False Claim about Masks

The DisInformation Chronicle • 670 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Congress is correcting CDC Director Walensky's false claim about masks to ensure public trust in health officials.
  2. There is pushback against misleading claims on masks' effectiveness, with concerns about conflicts of interest and Cochrane's troubles.
  3. Cochrane board member Catherine Marshall failed to disclose consulting gigs with the New Zealand government on COVID policy, raising questions about her advice and potential conflicts.

The true story of the Samoa measles outbreak

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 152 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Measles was introduced to Samoa in the 1880s and a significant outbreak occurred due to a combination of poor health systems and low vaccination rates. The outbreak was worsened by significant events, including the deaths of two children after a vaccination mistake.
  2. After the vaccine-related deaths, the Samoan government paused the vaccination program, leading to a sharp decline in vaccination rates. Many people turned to traditional medicine instead of seeking proper medical care when measles spread.
  3. The story of the Samoa measles outbreak highlights that the responsibility for the crisis is complex, involving multiple factors like poor health literacy and governance. Blaming any single person for the outbreak, like RFK Jr., oversimplifies the true situation.

Commentator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Negotiations regarding the Ukraine war may soon become urgent as both sides face limits in achieving their military goals. This could lead to discussions on a potential compromise to end the conflict.
  2. The origins of COVID-19 remain controversial, with scientists previously pressuring each other to dismiss the lab-leak theory despite believing in its possibility. This reflects a larger issue of scientific communication and public discussion.
  3. The recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action challenges the Democratic Party's approach and calls for a reevaluation of values around fairness and merit in education, possibly paving the way for a new direction.

How Desperate Are The Media And 'Experts' To Get People Back In Masks? COVID Panic Is Back

Unmasked • 62 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Even after years of COVID, some experts and media are still pushing for people to wear masks again. They seem really eager to bring back the fear and panic.
  2. Most people now believe that masks don't work and are glad that the mandates are over. They see it as a past issue that shouldn't come back.
  3. There are still some who are trying to force kids to wear masks, even with questionable science backing their arguments. It's surprising that this continues.

URGENT/Update: Good news... and bad

Unreported Truths • 44 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Dr. Vinay Prasad has been reinstated at the FDA, which is good news for those who believe in the importance of proving drug effectiveness. His return shows a pushback against pharmaceutical companies.
  2. A tragic shooting at the CDC has led to increased attacks on those who question mRNA vaccines. Some media are linking the violence to vaccine skepticism, which raises concerns about freedom of speech.
  3. It's crucial to investigate potential risks of mRNA vaccines openly, rather than silencing criticism. Honest discussions about risks should happen without fear of being blamed for others' violent actions.

Well Being: Selective Serotonin‑ReUptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. SSRIs are widely prescribed for mental health issues, but they can cause serious side effects like sexual dysfunction that aren't always discussed with patients.
  2. Many women, especially those who are single, take SSRIs, and there's a growing concern about how this affects their children, including higher rates of depression in kids exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy.
  3. Instead of relying on pills, we should focus on social connections, community support, and traditional values to help improve mental health.