The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Unreported Truths β€’ 25 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jul 25
  1. A large Danish study looked at data from 1.2 million children and found no link between aluminum in vaccines and childhood injuries or autism.
  2. The research suggests that children who received more aluminum from vaccines didn't have a higher chance of getting diagnosed with any disorders before the age of five.
  3. Despite some criticisms, this study helps reassure parents about the safety of traditional vaccines, especially at a time when many are questioning vaccine safety.
Unmasked β€’ 86 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 24
  1. Anthony Fauci has admitted to lying about herd immunity levels to encourage vaccinations. This shows a willingness to manipulate facts for perceived greater good.
  2. He avoids responsibility for school closures, even though he made public claims supporting those closures at the time. This suggests he uses language carefully to distance himself from backlash.
  3. Recent emails released from Fauci show patterns of dishonesty, leading to decreased public trust in him and health authorities. Many people now doubt the credibility of public health experts.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 25
  1. Denmark is seen as a good place for vaccine studies because its diagnosis process for autism is much slower than in other countries. This means many cases are diagnosed later, making it look like there is less of a problem.
  2. The vaccination schedule in Denmark is different, with fewer vaccines given to infants. This might cause developmental issues to show up later, skewing the data in studies that don't account for these differences.
  3. Using Danish data in studies can give a false impression of low autism rates. The delays in diagnosis make it seem like there are fewer cases than there actually are, which could mislead conclusions about the effects of vaccines.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 25
  1. A survey found a strong link between the timing of vaccines and the onset of autism. This connection should not be ignored.
  2. No previous studies have looked at how vaccine timing relates to autism. This lack of research raises questions about what is being investigated.
  3. The author plans to fund a new, unbiased survey to gather more data on this topic and ensure the questions are reviewed by an impartial expert.
Diane Francis β€’ 359 implied HN points β€’ 12 Aug 21
  1. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped how we work. More people are preferring remote work, leading to changes in workplaces and housing preferences.
  2. Many workers are quitting their jobs to prioritize safety and better work-life balance. This trend is forcing companies to adapt by offering flexible work options.
  3. Labor has gained more power, pushing for better pay and working conditions. This has led to higher wages and changes in benefits across various industries.
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An Educated Guess β€’ 174 implied HN points β€’ 12 Mar 24
  1. The impact of social media on mental health is a complex issue that cannot be simplified to a dose-response relationship.
  2. The understanding of social media's effect on mental health can benefit from incorporating different epidemiological paradigms like sanitation, infection, chronic disease, and eco-epidemiology.
  3. Social media is not just a risk factor but an environment that plays a crucial role in shaping various behaviors and experiences, especially for young people.
eugyppius: a plague chronicle β€’ 177 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 24
  1. A man from Magdeburg received 217 Covid vaccine jabs over 29 months, showing that achieving high antibody levels can prevent infection, with no negative health effects reported by researchers.
  2. The man's peculiar vaccination pattern raised questions about the investigation, incomplete jab data, and the feasibility of receiving so many doses without detection.
  3. The bizarre story prompts speculation about potential conspiracy theories regarding the man's extensive vaccination history and the challenges of verifying such a unique case.
Castalia β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 23
  1. Seymour Hersh has reported that the U.S. was involved in sabotaging the Nord Stream pipelines, which raises questions about media credibility and the motivations behind such actions. His claims challenge the official narratives about who may have been responsible.
  2. The war in Ukraine is escalating, with increased military support from the U.S. and more involvement in the conflict. This raises concerns about the implications of deeper military commitments and the possibility of a prolonged war.
  3. The debate around gender-affirming hormones for minors has intensified, with some reports suggesting inadequate oversight and the potential for irreversible medical interventions. Many are questioning how decisions are made in trans health care for young people.
Logging the World β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 22
  1. Lateral flow tests had a much lower false positive rate than many initially assumed, around 0.03%, showing their effectiveness.
  2. Data on PCR retests of positive lateral flow tests revealed a positive predictive value of 82% even at low prevalence, supporting the reliability of lateral flow tests.
  3. A rise in prevalence due to variants like delta and omicron, as well as ease in lockdown restrictions, contributed to the wider acceptance of lateral flow tests for controlling the pandemic.
Who is Robert Malone β€’ 30 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 25
  1. The medical freedom movement has gained momentum during COVID-19, uniting people across political lines who oppose vaccine mandates and advocate for civil liberties.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) movement focuses on improving public health, addressing chronic diseases, and reforming the food and pharmaceutical industries.
  3. Kennedy's efforts are often misrepresented as solely anti-vaccine, but he emphasizes a broader agenda aimed at tackling chronic illnesses and promoting healthier lifestyles for all.
Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts β€’ 288 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jun 23
  1. RFK Jr. has valid points about corporate influence in politics and government corruption.
  2. RFK Jr. highlights failures in Covid-19 policies such as lockdowns and vaccine mandates.
  3. RFK Jr. advocates for stricter oversight on vaccine safety and criticizes the close relationship between FDA and pharmaceutical companies.
Tessa Fights Robots β€’ 30 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jun 25
  1. It's important to stay aware of what we get injected with, especially with new vaccines like Moderna's. Many people feel uncertain about the safety and effectiveness of these shots.
  2. We have the power to control our own lives and decisions. Recognizing that we're not victims of political actions can help us focus on our own well-being.
  3. Taking care of ourselves and making informed choices is essential, especially in a world filled with unhealthy influences. Connecting with our own inner strength can guide us through tough times.
Unmasked β€’ 73 implied HN points β€’ 04 Dec 24
  1. There is a lot of inconsistency around mask-wearing, showing that some people don't practice what they preach. This hypocrisy has been a constant theme since the start of the pandemic.
  2. Even after several years, certain groups remain very strict about masking and other COVID rules, highlighting a strong commitment to these behaviors.
  3. New data, like what some found in Sweden, continues to challenge the effectiveness of masks, sparking debates about their true value during the pandemic.
Weaponized β€’ 26 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jun 25
  1. RFK Jr. has appointed anti-vaccine advocates to key positions in the CDC, which could negatively impact the U.S. vaccine program. This decision raises concerns about the influence of misinformation on public health.
  2. One new appointee is Lyn Redwood, who led an anti-vaccine group and will now oversee vaccine safety, despite a history of spreading false information about vaccines. Such changes could lead to distrust in vaccines and public health efforts.
  3. The recent focus on revisiting settled science around vaccine ingredients like thimerosal may divert attention and resources away from important health needs. This could create confusion and potential shortages in vaccine access.
Force of Infection β€’ 69 implied HN points β€’ 16 Dec 24
  1. Influenza-like illness is on the rise, especially in the southern U.S., with young children seeing a slight decrease in cases. This suggests a possible peak in activity as we move into the new year.
  2. COVID-19 cases are starting to pick up again, particularly in the Midwest, though severe illness remains low. It's a good time to stock up on at-home tests ahead of holiday gatherings.
  3. Norovirus is seeing high positivity rates this year, especially in the West and Midwest. It's important to be cautious and aware of food recalls related to contamination.
Who is Robert Malone β€’ 25 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jul 25
  1. There's a big concern about a campaign to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from his position as Secretary of Health. This comes from a leaked memo showing a trade group spending a lot of money to achieve that.
  2. The group behind this plot, BIO, plans to influence public opinion by using emotional messaging and recruitment of various influencers instead of debating Kennedy's actual policies.
  3. Their fear is not about health issues, but that Kennedy's reforms could expose problems in their profit-driven practices and change how the vaccine industry operates.
Unmasked β€’ 54 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 25
  1. Anthony Fauci has admitted to lying during the COVID pandemic, suggesting he didn't always tell the truth about key issues.
  2. There are ongoing investigations that could still hold Fauci accountable despite any pardons he might receive.
  3. The discussion includes concerns about his decisions on public health measures, like lockdowns and vaccine mandates, which many feel were misleading.
Unreported Truths β€’ 24 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jul 25
  1. Substack allows for important stories to be told that might not get attention elsewhere, especially longer pieces that can explain complicated topics.
  2. The platform offers a place for free speech, particularly for views that may be censored on social media.
  3. Personal stories, like that of Simone Scott, highlight the real impacts of broader health discussions and the need for transparency about vaccine safety.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 24 Nov 25
  1. The Pfizer vaccine may not prevent infections but only reduce symptoms in those already infected. This means vaccinated people could still get sick without showing symptoms.
  2. The claim that the vaccine was 95% effective against infection is based on flawed assumptions. It assumes that infections were detected equally and that vaccines prevent infections, which may not be true.
  3. Real-world data shows many fully vaccinated people experienced breakthrough infections, suggesting the vaccine's impact on stopping infection was likely very small or none.
Force of Infection β€’ 70 implied HN points β€’ 04 Dec 24
  1. Mysterious outbreaks often fall into three categories: known diseases, rare diseases, and completely new diseases. It's important to understand these categories to respond effectively.
  2. The most common cause of an outbreak is usually a known disease that flares up, especially in areas with poor healthcare resources. These can be serious but are often easier to manage.
  3. Outbreaks of rare or new diseases are the most concerning. They require quick action because they can be very dangerous and might not have available treatments or vaccines.
Letters from an American β€’ 23 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jul 25
  1. A devastating flood in Texas resulted in many deaths and much destruction, revealing flaws in the government's warning systems. Cuts to critical weather services led to inadequate forecasts and delayed warnings.
  2. The federal government's budget cuts have severely impacted essential organizations like FEMA and the National Weather Service. This has raised concerns about public safety and effective crisis management during emergencies.
  3. Cuts to programs that were vital for public health may lead to a health crisis in America. Reduced funding for research and health agencies puts citizens at risk for preventable diseases and inadequate care.
Unreported Truths β€’ 28 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jun 25
  1. The Berenson v Biden case is on hold until a judge makes a decision. The government asked for more time, which both sides agreed to.
  2. There are different claims in the lawsuit, some against government officials and some against private individuals. It's complicated because some defendants have roles in both categories.
  3. Everyone is waiting for the judge's ruling, and it’s unclear what the outcome will be. The situation involves a lot of legal details and intertwining parties.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 11 Nov 25
  1. The recent BMJ study does not clearly link maternal use of Tylenol to autism or ADHD, but it highlights the studies' low reliability.
  2. There's a 25-35% increased risk of ADHD and autism from prenatal Tylenol exposure, which is concerning enough to warrant further research.
  3. It's important not to stop researching the potential risks of Tylenol during pregnancy, despite some claims encouraging otherwise.
Ladyparts β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 19 May 22
  1. Women prescribed hormone replacement within six months of Covid-19 infection had lower mortality rates.
  2. Estrogen treatment post-Covid lowered mortality risk in women with asthma.
  3. There is a notable lack of awareness among medical professionals regarding the protective benefits of estrogen for women's health issues.
Unmasked β€’ 46 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 25
  1. Masks did not effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19, as shown by multiple studies over the years. Many places that enforced strict mask mandates still experienced high infection rates.
  2. Experts originally agreed that masks weren’t necessary for the general public, and later claims to the contrary were proven wrong. The research all along suggested masks wouldn't help during a pandemic.
  3. Experiments during the pandemic showed that forcing people, including children, to wear masks didn’t make a difference in controlling the virus, ultimately leading to a conclusion that the mandates were ineffective.
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 22
  1. Mikey Mercedes blends academic scholarship, personal narrative, and fat politics to critique healthcare and public health for fatphobia and anti-Blackness.
  2. The importance of promoting weight-inclusive public health and the need for a paradigm shift to accommodate fat individuals is highlighted.
  3. Healthcare professionals need to acknowledge their lack of education in treating fat patients and seek knowledge and expertise from fat individuals to provide better care.
eugyppius: a plague chronicle β€’ 293 implied HN points β€’ 06 Apr 23
  1. The German pandemic is ending on a schedule set in the fall, not because the virus is less dangerous or vaccines have fixed everything.
  2. The pandemic restrictions and measures have shown that with the right media campaign, a country can be controlled and freedoms suspended, regardless of laws.
  3. The end of the pandemic doesn't mean an instant return to 'normal' or guarantees of freedom; the effects and memories will last.
Castalia β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 22
  1. There is strong evidence suggesting that COVID-19 may have originated from a lab leak, specifically from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, rather than from animals, as was widely believed.
  2. Some voices are calling for 'pandemic amnesty,' suggesting that we should forgive each other for mistakes made during the crisis, but others argue it's too soon because many issues remain unaddressed.
  3. The pandemic exposed major failures in public health institutions, the media, and the pharmaceutical industry, leading to a loss of trust and revealing how susceptible they can be to political pressures.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 25
  1. The tribunal decided that full transparency about vaccine data could harm public health, so it's okay for the UK health agency to keep some data hidden.
  2. The reasons given for not releasing the data, like preventing misinformation, actually undermine the principles of transparency and accountability in government.
  3. Claiming that it would take decades to process the data is seen as a weak excuse to avoid scrutiny, showing a preference for protecting the institution over being honest with the public.
Diane Francis β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 21
  1. Countries are competing to provide vaccines for COVID-19 to gain influence over others. The U.S., China, and Russia have different strategies in this vaccine race.
  2. China is using its vaccine distribution to strengthen ties with developing nations while downplaying its own role in the pandemic's start. This behavior is part of a larger strategy to expand its influence.
  3. The U.S. is collaborating with India, Japan, and Australia through the 'Quad' to counter China's aggressiveness in Asia. This alliance aims to provide vaccines and strengthen political and military ties.
Unreported Truths β€’ 67 implied HN points β€’ 02 Dec 24
  1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb is openly opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a position in the Trump cabinet because he fears Kennedy would disrupt the current healthcare system. Many believe Big Pharma is worried about losing its grip on health policies if Kennedy gets into power.
  2. Gottlieb has a long history of connections with pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, which raises concerns about conflicts of interest. This background makes people skeptical about his motives and the influence of corporate interests in health decisions.
  3. Kennedy is seen by some as someone who could push for necessary changes in the healthcare system, while Gottlieb represents the status quo that many believe is broken and costly. The debate reflects ongoing frustrations with how healthcare is managed in the U.S.
Unmasked β€’ 62 implied HN points β€’ 17 Dec 24
  1. A new study funded by the CDC shows that some vaccinated children may actually be more likely to get COVID. This surprises many who thought the vaccines would fully protect them.
  2. Many countries in Europe did not recommend COVID vaccines for children, raising questions about their necessity and safety in the U.S.
  3. There's a growing distrust in public health guidelines as experts appear to have given mixed messages on vaccines and their effectiveness.
Who is Robert Malone β€’ 26 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jun 25
  1. Children in some states need to get a lot of vaccines to attend school, but many of these vaccines haven't been tested properly for safety. This can be seen as a serious concern.
  2. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has members who will now be more aligned with evidence-based decisions and will focus on the safety of vaccines for children.
  3. There are claims that many vaccines were studied in controlled trials, but many of those studies may not have used true placebos that would help show if the vaccines are safe or effective. This raises questions about the safety of the vaccines on the childhood schedule.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 29 Nov 22
  1. A judge stopped New York City's plan to move municipal retirees into private Medicare Advantage plans. This decision allows them to stay in traditional Medicare without facing penalties.
  2. The city's plan aimed to save $600 million by pushing retirees into private insurance options, but this would have burdened taxpayers across the country. The plan depended on federal subsidies to work.
  3. There are concerns about Medicare Advantage plans, as they can limit access to necessary care and lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for retirees. Many believe that staying in traditional Medicare is safer and more reliable for their health needs.
eugyppius: a plague chronicle β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jul 23
  1. Prof. Dr. Bob Wachter, a noted figure in Covid Chronicles, caught Covid despite precautions.
  2. Wachter, a double vaccinee, got infected after his last shot and fainted in the shower due to Covid-induced dehydration.
  3. His experience led him to ponder on hospitalizations 'with Covid' versus 'for Covid.'
Unreported Truths β€’ 61 implied HN points β€’ 20 Dec 24
  1. Many people are showing very high levels of anti-spike antibodies long after getting COVID mRNA vaccines. It's surprising to see that these levels can remain so elevated for years.
  2. The persistent presence of these antibodies raises concerns about potential long-term health effects. We really don't know yet what this means for people's health.
  3. There are important questions we need to answer about why some people have such high antibody levels. Understanding this is key to figuring out if there are any risks involved.