The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Castalia β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 07 May 23
  1. The recent school shooting in Serbia shows that gun violence is a global issue, not just an American one. Even after such tragedies, countries often take steps to control gun ownership more effectively.
  2. The death of Jordan Neely on the NYC subway highlights the complexities surrounding public safety and mental health. Many people want to help but are unsure of how to intervene safely in stressful situations.
  3. AI technology is advancing quickly, raising serious concerns among its creators about potential risks. Experts feel it's important for governments to step in and regulate the technology before it negatively impacts society.
Unreported Truths β€’ 125 implied HN points β€’ 26 Nov 24
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should end the CDC's recommendation for COVID mRNA vaccines for children and teens once he is confirmed as HHS secretary.
  2. There are serious health concerns with these vaccines in young people, including potential for myocarditis and other severe side effects.
  3. The CDC's current stance is seen as outdated and driven by ideology rather than science, so a shift in public health policy is needed.
OK Doomer β€’ 96 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 25
  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.
DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER β€’ 296 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
  1. Buying air purifiers for everyone could extend life expectancy, but at a high cost compared to other health interventions.
  2. The cost of buying air purifiers for random Americans to extend life expectancy is $32,899 per DALY, which is not as efficient as other healthcare interventions.
  3. Air purifiers may be a good health investment for individuals, but philanthropically, they are not as cost-effective as other interventions like malaria drugs.
Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts β€’ 135 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 24
  1. Vaccines, like drugs, can vary in safety and effectiveness. Some work well for certain people but not for others.
  2. It's important to measure how well vaccines work, not just for virus-related issues but for overall health.
  3. We need better monitoring and data sharing after vaccines are given, along with the ability to hold manufacturers accountable if something goes wrong.
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Injecting Freedom β€’ 46 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 25
  1. The FDA approved the MenQuadfi vaccine for infants based on a study that compared it to another vaccine, Menveo, even though both showed serious side effects.
  2. There's a chain reaction of approvals where previous vaccines are used as controls without proper safety testing, creating a cycle that's hard to break.
  3. The safety standards for these vaccines are questionable, as the FDA relies on the very companies selling the vaccines to explain away any serious problems.
Unreported Truths β€’ 33 implied HN points β€’ 04 Aug 25
  1. Building a community around sharing opinions and truths is really important. It creates support and understanding, especially during tough times.
  2. Legal battles about free speech can be frustrating. It's disheartening to feel that the government or others are not fully supporting your rights.
  3. Open discussions and respecting different viewpoints are crucial. It's okay to disagree, but we should listen to each other and not silence differing opinions.
Unmasked β€’ 33 implied HN points β€’ 01 Aug 25
  1. Media is still pushing fear about COVID, even in 2025, which feels unnecessary. It seems they want people to panic like in 2020 instead of recognizing the normal patterns of virus spread we see every year.
  2. The effectiveness of COVID vaccines has been overhyped by the media and experts, leading to disappointment and mistrust. It's important to be cautious about claims made without evidence.
  3. People are encouraged to stand up against constant pressure from media and experts regarding COVID measures. It's time to say enough and think for ourselves.
Unmasked β€’ 41 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jul 25
  1. The WHO is still not accepting that COVID-19 might have originated from a lab leak. Many people believe this lab in Wuhan is where the virus started.
  2. No clear natural way for the virus to move from bats to humans has been found. The lab was known for risky research which raises concerns.
  3. The safety standards at the lab were below what was required, which adds to the suspicion about its role in the pandemic.
Independent SAGE continues β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 17 Nov 23
  1. Independent SAGE is planning to launch something new soon. Stay tuned for updates!
  2. You can subscribe to Independent SAGE for more information directly from them.
  3. Sharing is encouraged, so spread the word through various platforms like Facebook or email.
Injecting Freedom β€’ 116 implied HN points β€’ 02 Dec 24
  1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb made claims about vaccines that were proven to be false. It's important to double-check facts, especially when discussing health topics.
  2. Gottlieb's connection to Pfizer raises questions about conflicts of interest when he criticizes others in the vaccine debate. It shows that personal interests can affect public statements.
  3. There is a call for more open discussions about vaccines and health issues. Honest debates can help clarify misunderstandings and improve public knowledge.
Asimov Press β€’ 270 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 24
  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.
Unreported Truths β€’ 41 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jun 25
  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.
Marginally Compelling β€’ 9 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 25
  1. Canada has lost measles elimination status because the virus has been spreading locally for over 12 months, so measles is now endemic there.
  2. The ongoing outbreaks seem to have started in undervaccinated, tight-knit communities (notably a Mennonite gathering) that seeded continuous transmission and occasional spillovers into the wider population.
  3. This shows how fragile disease control is and that high vaccination rates, strong surveillance, and targeted outreach are needed to prevent and contain wider outbreaks.
Unmasked β€’ 125 implied HN points β€’ 06 Nov 24
  1. Many experts during the COVID-19 pandemic failed to remain unbiased and instead became political advocates. This led to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. The phrase 'follow the science' was often used to dismiss individual opinions, which made it hard for some people to voice their concerns or disagreements.
  3. Despite low trust ratings in health agencies and experts, there does not seem to be a push for humility or respect from them towards the public.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 25
  1. Former CDC Director Robert Redfield is publicly calling for COVID mRNA vaccines to be pulled.
  2. He claims the CDC knew about vaccine harms very early and has written a book outlining his concerns.
  3. He will discuss these claims and his book live on VSRF this Thursday at 7pm Eastern.
Eat Shit and Prosper β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 23
  1. Smoking may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Studies show that smokers are less likely to get this condition compared to nonsmokers.
  2. Both coffee and smoking have been linked to lower chances of Parkinson's disease. Drinking more coffee appears to provide a similar protective effect.
  3. Constipation can be an early sign of Parkinson's disease, sometimes showing up years before other symptoms. Smoking and coffee might help keep things moving in the gut, which could play a role in reducing Parkinson's risk.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 19 Dec 25
  1. A $1 million challenge invites an expert to defend a JAMA study that claims mRNA vaccination did not increase 4-year all-cause mortality, with impartial judges to decide the winner.
  2. The critic argues the study is too confounded to draw reliable conclusions about non-COVID deaths because retrospective propensity-weighted cohorts (and 1:1 matching) cannot fully adjust for bias.
  3. The challenge is presented as educational and non-accusatory, aiming to clarify interpretation of published science, and it includes a prediction that the invited expert will likely decline.
OK Doomer β€’ 104 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 24
  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.
Who is Robert Malone β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 17 Nov 25
  1. There's a new trend where fake or manipulated information is being seen as normal, especially through advanced AI technology. This can distort our understanding of reality.
  2. Many aspects of health knowledge, especially related to vaccines, are heavily influenced by big pharmaceutical companies. This means that the way we understand health decisions might be biased or not fully trustworthy.
  3. With the rise of AI, it's becoming easier for fake research and information to spread quickly. This creates a risk that our sources of knowledge could become less reliable in the future.
Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts β€’ 115 implied HN points β€’ 19 Nov 24
  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.
Force of Infection β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jun 25
  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.
Force of Infection β€’ 108 implied HN points β€’ 02 Dec 24
  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.
Unmasked β€’ 86 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 25
  1. COVID restrictions, like lockdowns and mask mandates, didn't really help stop the spread of the virus. They ended up costing a lot of money without making a difference.
  2. Many people still feel the effects of these restrictions today, like vaccine passports and other rules that came from government policies.
  3. After lifting restrictions, there weren't big spikes in COVID cases, which suggests that the rules might not have worked as intended.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 9 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 25
  1. There are studies comparing autism rates in vaccinated and unvaccinated kids, but some argue these studies have flaws. Critics say they lack reliable data or use biased methods.
  2. A researcher mentioned that the majority of large studies show no link between vaccines and autism. This is a point of disagreement among many people.
  3. If a child suddenly develops autism, there is a survey available for parents. It's a quick way for them to share their experiences with autism onset.
Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts β€’ 112 implied HN points β€’ 17 Nov 24
  1. RFK Jr. has a distinct philosophy focused on skepticism towards corporations and promoting body autonomy. He is against vaccine mandates and supports personal choice in health decisions.
  2. Vivek Ramaswamy believes in reducing FDA regulations to make it easier for drug companies to operate, but he emphasizes the need for safety studies without enforcing unrealistic efficacy requirements.
  3. The current FDA leaders, like Scott Gottlieb and Bob Califf, prioritize corporate interests and maintain high drug prices. Many feel they don't push for the best evidence and often end up working for pharmaceutical companies after leaving government.
Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts β€’ 129 implied HN points β€’ 06 Oct 24
  1. Closing elementary schools during the pandemic may have been a bad idea because kids were not significant spreaders of COVID-19. Some experts, like Anders Tegnell from Sweden, believed this from the start.
  2. Many people now agree that long school closures were harmful, but some didn't speak up about it at the time. It shows the importance of questioning popular opinions instead of just following the crowd.
  3. Countries that had less income inequality tended to handle the pandemic better than those with more inequality. Access to basic healthcare might have played a bigger role than strict lockdowns or border closures.
Force of Infection β€’ 88 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 25
  1. Influenza-like illness was slightly down recently, but it's too early to declare we've passed the peak. It's a hopeful sign, and we'll see if the trend continues.
  2. Kids aged 0-4 showed some improvement in severe illness, while older age groups are still facing rising hospital visits. Trends often lag in adults, so changes might come soon.
  3. Covid-19 indicators are mixed; some emergency visits have decreased, but wastewater data suggests the virus is still spreading. More updates will come next week.
Unreported Truths β€’ 49 implied HN points β€’ 16 May 25
  1. A new study shows that people who got mRNA Covid vaccines had a 30% higher chance of developing thyroid disease after a year compared to those who didn't get vaccinated. This means many might be facing thyroid issues globally.
  2. The risk of thyroid problems grows over time, and those who received fewer shots in a year had an even higher risk of developing these issues. This suggests that the vaccines might cause long-term autoimmune reactions.
  3. The thyroid plays a crucial role in our metabolism and health, and these newly found connections could lead to serious issues for many people, like heart problems or anxiety, over time.
Gordian Knot News β€’ 95 implied HN points β€’ 23 Dec 24
  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.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 05 Dec 25
  1. The study's matching process was flawed because it couldn't do proper 1:1 matching due to privacy laws. This means their claims about vaccine benefits are questionable.
  2. Analysis of excess mortality trends in France suggests there were no significant benefits from the vaccines, as there was no noticeable drop in death rates.
  3. Even the best matching techniques can't fully address the healthy vaccinee effect, meaning the results of this study are likely not reliable.
Unreported Truths β€’ 111 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 24
  1. Donald Trump has promised to appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services.
  2. This decision is facing significant pushback from pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.
  3. Trump is determined to follow through with his promise, despite the opposition.
QTR’s Fringe Finance β€’ 36 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jul 25
  1. Many drugs have been approved by the FDA without solid proof that they actually work. This means patients might be taking medication that doesn't help them at all.
  2. The FDA's approval process has become too focused on getting drugs to market quickly rather than ensuring they are genuinely safe and effective. This can lead to harmful or ineffective treatments being available for long periods.
  3. Many doctors and patients misunderstand what FDA approval really means. Just because a drug is approved doesn’t mean it has clear benefits or is safe to use.
Force of Infection β€’ 90 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jan 25
  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.
Diane Francis β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 13 Sep 21
  1. Many people are still unvaccinated, which keeps COVID-19 spreading and mutating. This makes life tougher for everyone and affects the economy.
  2. Unvaccinated individuals are the majority of those getting severe cases of COVID-19 and dying from it. This is leading to new mandates for vaccinations or regular testing.
  3. New variants of the virus are emerging, making it challenging to achieve herd immunity. Global vaccination efforts are crucial to control the pandemic and prevent further mutations.
Unreported Truths β€’ 34 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jul 25
  1. Substack allows writers to express their thoughts freely and connect directly with readers, unlike traditional media.
  2. There are concerns about the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, with a belief that they were not tested thoroughly enough.
  3. The battle over free speech is important, as some believe that regulating opinions can limit open discussions on topics like vaccines.
Gordian Knot News β€’ 87 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jan 25
  1. RERF experts found that solid cancer mortality data from bomb survivors shows a non-linear pattern. This means that higher radiation doses lead to differing effects on cancer rates than previously thought.
  2. They noticed an upward curve in cancer risk among both men and women, but the effect was more significant for women. This is important to understand how radiation impacts different sexes.
  3. The researchers also highlighted a 'High Dose Effect' where fewer cancers seem to occur at very high radiation doses. This challenges some existing theories about radiation and cancer risk.
Independent SAGE continues β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 04 Apr 24
  1. Currently, there are low levels of Covid in hospitals and the community. The data suggest that the situation is better than many people think.
  2. Some claims about high Covid cases and hospitalizations are misleading. It's important to examine the evidence and context behind those claims.
  3. Overall, the chances of getting severely sick from Covid are much lower now than before, thanks largely to vaccinations and improved immunity.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 24 Nov 25
  1. A Danish study claims that aluminum exposure reduces autism and asthma risks, but many think the data was manipulated.
  2. There is no scientific reason to believe that injecting aluminum improves health, and no doctors recommend this treatment.
  3. The study's results are questioned because other evidence shows high aluminum levels in the brains of autistic children.