The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Outbreak Outlook - National - October 28

Force of Infection • 51 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Currently, respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV are at low levels across the country, which is a relief.
  2. Food recalls are happening for various products due to contamination, so it’s important to check what you have at home.
  3. There's a recommendation for a second COVID-19 vaccine dose for older adults and those at high risk to help protect against severe illness.

Part 2: Answering reader questions on H5N1

Force of Infection • 38 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. H5N1 mostly spreads through close contact with infected animals, which means people who work with animals are at higher risk.
  2. The virus can survive on surfaces for varying amounts of time, which can affect how we control infection spread.
  3. Currently, there's no evidence that H5N1 spreads from person to person, but there's a concern it might someday gain that ability.

Lessons From The Covid Fringe

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 44 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. A recent report suggests that COVID-19 likely originated from a lab leak, which was a controversial topic four years ago. It's surprising how much the conversation around this has changed since then.
  2. Social distancing and mask mandates during the pandemic may not have been based on solid science, according to the same report. Many people have forgotten the strict rules that were once in place.
  3. It's important to question the mainstream narrative and have the courage to speak out against it. This can lead to a better understanding of complex issues and help promote informed discussions.

How Effective Are Vaccines Targeted To Respiratory Viruses?

Unmasked • 50 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The media and some leaders push a strong message that everyone should get vaccinated against respiratory viruses. This view has become widely accepted, even if it might not be entirely based on evidence.
  2. Many claims about the consequences of not getting vaccinated, like severe illness and death, turned out to be exaggerated. This raises questions about the truth behind the common vaccination messaging.
  3. There is a growing concern that the push for universal vaccination against all respiratory viruses may be an overreach, not fully supported by scientific evidence about their effectiveness.

$2,000 challenge: find a mistake in the KCOR algorithm

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. A $2,000 public challenge asks someone to identify a material methodological flaw in the KCOR algorithm for Czech mortality data and to propose a better analysis with a reproducible test.
  2. KCOR defines fixed cohorts at a single enrollment date, excludes the first two weeks, prohibits censoring or switching, converts weekly deaths to continuous hazards, normalizes hazard shapes, and estimates effects as the ratio of cumulative hazards versus a non-COVID baseline.
  3. To win you must demonstrate a coding-independent conceptual error that makes KCOR produce a materially incorrect inference on a realistic control test and convince the organizer (via a ChatGPT vetting step); many common objections or limitations don’t qualify.
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Sunday Strip: Don't Celebrate Yet!

Who is Robert Malone • 43 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Energy and psychological warfare play a big role in current events. It's important to be aware of the influences around us.
  2. Celebrations may not be well-founded yet. It’s a reminder to be cautious and think critically about what we see and hear.
  3. Enjoying simple moments in life, like time with family or pets, can bring joy and balance amidst the chaos.

Fight the Anti-Narrative with Pro-Science

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 42 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🔬 Science Public Health
  1. Using 'anti' labels in discussions can over-simplify and misrepresent people's true beliefs. It makes conversations harder and ignores important details.
  2. Questioning vaccines or other technologies doesn't mean being against them; it can be a way to improve them. Critics should be heard instead of labeled negatively.
  3. Curiosity and open-mindedness in science can lead to better understanding and advancements. Engaging with skepticism might help scientists and the public work together more effectively.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 4

Force of Infection • 49 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Covid-19 cases are currently low across the country, but a slight rebound has been noted in the Midwest.
  2. Norovirus is on the rise, with about 12% positivity, and it spreads easily through contaminated surfaces and food, so hygiene is essential.
  3. Visits for flu-like symptoms are increasing in children under 5, indicating that flu season could be approaching soon.

The end of lead

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Lead exposure has serious health risks, especially for children, causing problems like high blood pressure and cognitive issues.
  2. Efforts to reduce lead in environments, like banning leaded gasoline and paint, have made significant progress but there are ongoing challenges in poorer countries.
  3. We already have solutions to eliminate lead exposure; we just need to implement them globally, especially by regulating sources like cosmetics and battery recycling.

Latest "Bird Flu" Psyop

Who is Robert Malone • 38 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The 'bird flu' situation is being used as a psychological operation to manipulate public perception. The reality is that current cases have no risk of spreading between humans and the death rate is much lower than reported.
  2. Vaccination schedules for diseases like tetanus might be overhyped. Research suggests that the immunity from these vaccines lasts much longer than what's currently recommended, meaning fewer shots could be needed.
  3. Public health strategies are becoming overly reliant on vaccination, ignoring other effective treatments. It may be worth considering older treatments and ways to handle infectious diseases without constant vaccination.

How to talk to mRNA fanatics

Unreported Truths • 43 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Many people are starting to question the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, as fewer are getting vaccinated this year compared to previous years. Some areas show a significant drop in vaccinations.
  2. Proponents of mRNA vaccines often rely on a chart that claims vaccinated people had lower death rates from COVID-19. However, this chart has flaws and doesn't tell the full story.
  3. It's important to address these discussions in a way that acknowledges some ground without giving up key points about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Sunday Strip: Swamp Monsters-

Who is Robert Malone • 37 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Some people believe there are bad influences that are hidden, like 'swamp monsters', affecting society. It's important to be aware of these unseen issues.
  2. There's a long history of these problems, suggesting that they didn't just appear recently. Many believe they have been around for a long time.
  3. Understanding these complex issues can help people make better choices and find ways to push back against negativity in their lives.

Behind the Curtain of the New CDC Panel on Vaccines

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The new CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has been completely restructured with new members, who are experienced in vaccine development. This change aims to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to vaccine policies.
  2. There has been intense criticism of the new committee's decisions, indicating that no group involved was fully satisfied with the outcomes. This highlights how complex and contentious vaccine discussions can be.
  3. The upcoming interviews and discussions aim to clarify the committee’s decisions and show that they are dedicated to transparency and public health, rather than just following corporate interests.

Rep. Katie Porter's Patients Before Profit Act is exciting.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The Patients Before Profits Act aims to protect patients by preventing insurance companies from cutting coverage during public health emergencies.
  2. This bill stops insurers from lowering payments to doctors and healthcare workers during crises like pandemics.
  3. It highlights how some insurance companies made huge profits while cutting reimbursements, hurting both doctors and patients.

Voices in Print

Force of Infection • 28 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Patients can offer valuable ideas to improve healthcare based on their personal experiences. It's important for these voices to be heard in medical discussions.
  2. The Voices in Print project connects patients with professional writers to share their suggestions in a clear way. This helps bring patient insights into medical literature.
  3. They are looking for new patient partners who have specific ideas on improving care, and participation in the project is free.

The CDC Planned Quarantine Camps Nationwide

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 44 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. There were plans for nationwide quarantine camps during the pandemic that aimed to isolate high-risk individuals, which raised significant concerns about personal freedom and human rights.
  2. The CDC's proposals included separating vulnerable people from their families and communities, which many viewed as a severe and troubling approach resembling concentration camps.
  3. The document detailing these plans stayed on the CDC's site for a long time with little attention, highlighting issues of transparency and the power held by public health authorities.

'Experts' And The Media Trying To Bring Back Masks Yet Again With New Variant Panic

Unmasked • 98 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Some individuals in the media are pushing for the return of masks due to concerns about a new variant and panic.
  2. Certain experts are criticized for not admitting to mistakes and promoting policies that are viewed as ineffective.
  3. There is ongoing debate about the effectiveness of COVID policies, including advocating for vaccination over natural immunity.

Answering reader questions on H5N1

Force of Infection • 35 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. There are strong surveillance systems in place for detecting H5N1 and other influenza viruses, which helps identify outbreaks among humans quickly.
  2. While experts are confident about detecting severe H5N1 cases in hospitals, some mild cases may go unnoticed in outpatient settings.
  3. Global surveillance for H5N1 is uneven; some countries have great systems while others are less prepared, making it important to stay alert to potential cases everywhere.

Despite well-funded opposition, momentum for dental therapy continues (and Americans are already benefiting)

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Dental therapists are similar to nurse practitioners and help with tasks like cleanings and fillings. They have been around for over 100 years in other countries.
  2. Many states in the U.S. are now allowing dental therapists to practice due to a shortage of dentists and the lack of access to dental care for many people.
  3. The movement for dental therapy started in Alaska and has grown across the country with support from various organizations, helping people get the dental care they need.

Dead Media spreading Mis- Dis-, Mal-information

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Misinformation is often seen as incorrect information without bad intent, while disinformation is misinformation spread on purpose to mislead people.
  2. Malinformation refers to true information used in a harmful way, like taking facts out of context to create distrust in government or institutions.
  3. People should be able to speak freely about health choices without fear of being labeled untrustworthy or having their voices silenced, as open discussion is important for understanding.

Inconvenient History of Salk Inactivated Polio Vaccine

Who is Robert Malone • 37 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The Salk polio vaccine had serious safety issues, including live polio virus contamination which led to illness and deaths in children who received it. This was known as the Cutter Crisis.
  2. Bernice Eddy, a scientist who raised alarms about the vaccine's problems, faced backlash and was largely ignored for her warnings about its safety, including issues with a contaminating virus linked to cancer.
  3. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aims to improve vaccine safety regulations and believes all medications, including vaccines, should undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure they are safe for public use.

Free lecture in San Diego - How to read trials

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 40 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. There is a free lecture in San Diego about reading trials. It's a great opportunity for anyone wanting to learn how to understand trial results.
  2. The lecture is unique because it is not funded by pharmaceutical companies. This might give a more unbiased view on the information being discussed.
  3. Attending this lecture could help people become more knowledgeable about medical studies. It's a chance to ask questions and get clarity on trial data.

Thank you for your trust and support!

Unreported Truths • 46 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The lawsuit Berenson v Biden is about claims of censorship by the government, particularly involving Twitter and vaccination discussions.
  2. There is evidence suggesting that officials pressured Twitter to silence Berenson’s views on Covid, raising concerns about free speech.
  3. The case is still in the early stages, and more evidence is expected to come to light as it progresses, focusing on whether the censorship violated rights.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 207 with Dr. Robert Redfield, MD.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. A former CDC director gives an insider perspective questioning key COVID-era decisions and calling for greater transparency in how those choices were made.
  2. The conversation will tackle controversial topics like vaccine safety, the origins of SARS-CoV-2, high‑risk research, and alleged ignored treatment protocols.
  3. The goal is to revisit past decisions to learn lessons and push for better data sharing and preparedness for future public‑health emergencies.

Outbreak Outlook - National - January 22

Force of Infection • 94 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Influenza-like illness activity decreased across all age groups and regions, with improvements in hospitalizations as well.
  2. COVID-19 activity is starting to decrease, supported by various indicators like hospitalizations and test positivity.
  3. RSV trends are showing improvement with a decrease in positivity rates, especially in vulnerable age and ethnic groups.

Michael Bloomberg lacks basic mathematical skills; he should publicly apologize now to RFK Jr. for his error

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. Michael Bloomberg made a mistake in blaming RFK Jr. for measles outbreaks, showing a lack of basic math skills. It's argued that RFK Jr.'s influence in just six months couldn't significantly affect vaccination rates.
  2. There are claims that in studies, unvaccinated children showed better health outcomes than vaccinated ones. This raises questions about the information being presented to parents regarding vaccines.
  3. Concerns are raised about transparency in vaccine data, suggesting that public access to this information might improve health outcomes and inform the public about vaccination rates.

Analysis of the "Groundbreaking" Multiple Sclerosis Study

Tessa Fights Robots • 10 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Recent research on multiple sclerosis (MS) has generated interest but may not be as revolutionary as some claim. It's important to look at the details.
  2. The study connects MS to possible infectious triggers, which opens up new ways to think about neurological symptoms.
  3. Personal insights and discussions can help make sense of complex studies, and sharing perspectives can lead to better understanding.

February 8, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. The NIH has changed its funding policy, now limiting indirect costs to 15%, which could hurt research universities.
  2. States heavily reliant on federal grants, especially Republican states, might face large funding losses due to these new caps.
  3. Federal workers emphasize their significant roles in society, sharing personal stories that highlight their contributions to public safety and welfare.

Deep State Deconstruction: USAID

Who is Robert Malone • 28 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health
  1. USAID is a major U.S. agency that provides international assistance but is sometimes linked to the CIA in ways that raise concerns about its true role in foreign affairs.
  2. The agency has funded various programs, including controversial health campaigns and misinformation research, blurring the lines between humanitarian aid and political interests.
  3. There are allegations that USAID has been involved in population control initiatives and has funded vaccines, which raises ethical questions about their impact on global health policies.

Four steps to reduce cardiovascular disease by up to 90%

More is Different • 12 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Statins could be safe and effective if made available over-the-counter. More people could benefit from them without needing a prescription.
  2. There's a lot of misinformation about statins causing muscle pain, but studies show most of the pain people feel isn’t actually caused by the drug.
  3. Screening for heart disease should start earlier, even in children, to help catch issues before they develop into serious problems.

ACIP Debrief- June 2025

Who is Robert Malone • 13 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The ACIP recently approved a monoclonal antibody called Clesrovimab for infants who didn't get RSV protection from their mothers. This helps prevent severe RSV illness in newborns.
  2. They also decided to phase out thimerosal in flu vaccines for everyone, pushing for single-dose options. This move aims to enhance vaccine safety and promote public trust.
  3. The new committee emphasized transparency and patient-centered decisions as key priorities for public health. They want to base their recommendations on solid scientific data to keep everyone informed.

Impending Medical Doom—AGAIN—and What We Can Do to Stay Sane

Tessa Fights Robots • 35 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. It's important to pay attention to fungal and parasitic infections as they can affect our health in many ways. Focusing on prevention through diet and natural remedies can help.
  2. The idea of looming medical crises often comes up, and we should think critically about the information presented to us. Staying informed allows us to make better decisions.
  3. Finding ways to manage stress and include humor in our lives is essential. Laughter can be a powerful tool for our mental and emotional well-being.