The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Eyes on Israel

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Israel's efficient vaccine distribution showcases excellent preparation and organization.
  2. Israel has a unique opportunity to provide insights into the effectiveness of vaccination against COVID-19.
  3. Israel's approach to vaccine distribution may offer hope for addressing long-term problems, such as providing vaccines to neighboring territories.

Vaccine doses ... again

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 04 Jan 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. There is a debate about the effectiveness of administering two vaccine doses versus one, with some evidence showing that a single dose could be adequate in certain situations.
  2. The timing of vaccine doses is crucial, with considerations on how to maximize the number of people vaccinated and the potential risks of delaying the second dose.
  3. Mathematical calculations play a role in determining the efficacy of first doses first strategy, but there are complexities involved, including capacity, prevalence of the virus, and the role of vaccines in reducing spread.

To pay or be paid?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Economists suggest using prices to address vaccine distribution issues. This includes charging for doses to signal demand and potentially paying individuals to take the vaccine.
  2. There is a proposal to pay individuals to receive the vaccine in order to address low demand. By offering subsidies, it can help close the gap in vaccination rates.
  3. Balancing the approach between paying for priority in vaccine distribution and paying individuals to get vaccinated presents challenges. Complexity arises when trying to incorporate financial incentives into the vaccination process.

Uncomfortable vaccine decisions

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 11 Dec 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Vaccine distribution plans should consider region-by-region vaccination to achieve normality in some places earlier, rather than nationally all at once.
  2. Participants of vaccine trials who received placebos could be considered for early vaccination to encourage more trial participation.
  3. Vaccinating air travelers early could help reopen the airline industry sooner and reduce the need for government bailouts, despite initial dislike for the idea.
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Economists "versus" epidemiologists

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 25 Nov 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Economists and epidemiologists have distinct biases, with the former focused on persuasive economic arguments while the latter often struggles to convince people to act on health advice.
  2. Epidemiologists tend to highlight worst-case scenarios to persuade action, which can sometimes lead to mistrust in projections and slower government responses.
  3. The tools of persuasion differ between economists and epidemiologists, with economists relying on data while epidemiologists are still evolving their policy-making approaches.

The Slovakian model

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 20 Nov 20
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Slovakia implemented mass testing using rapid antigen tests to control an outbreak, which helped identify cases quickly and turn the situation around.
  2. The testing in Slovakia was voluntary but supported by strict isolation measures and fines for non-compliance, leading to successful results and an easing of restrictions.
  3. The success of mass testing in Slovakia serves as an example for other regions to consider in their efforts to combat the pandemic.

So you want to achieve herd immunity

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Achieving herd immunity through infection can be a challenging policy due to individual behaviors impacting the rate of infection.
  2. To accelerate the spread of Covid-19 for herd immunity, potential strategies include mask prohibitions, creating situations for people to congregate indoors for extended periods, and avoiding widespread testing.
  3. Implementing unconventional and counterintuitive measures like not announcing vaccine progress, encouraging large gatherings such as political rallies, or subsidizing risky activities could be attempts to expedite herd immunity.

Largely out of government control

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 26 Oct 20
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Government actions have limited impact on the overall course of the pandemic, with people and their behaviors playing a significant role.
  2. Advocates of 'letting it rip' to achieve herd immunity quickly overlook the potential long-term health costs and economic impacts of such a strategy.
  3. Voluntary social distancing and population density have been crucial factors in influencing the spread of the virus, showing that personal behavior plays a key role in controlling the outbreak.

Data Week: How to collect data

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 20
🔬 Science Public Health
  1. Data collected at a manhole level can help detect outbreaks more rapidly and support targeted interventions.
  2. Sophisticated statistical techniques can provide a deeper understanding of outbreaks by leveraging sewage system data.
  3. Bayesian framework can convert sewage flows into probability flows to identify hot spot neighborhoods with just a few samples.

What have we learned about the coronavirus?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 21 Sep 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The growth rate of daily deaths from COVID-19 falls rapidly within 30 days post reaching 25 cumulative deaths, a pattern observed universally.
  2. After the initial decline, the growth rate of daily deaths hovers around zero or slightly below, suggesting a steady rate of new deaths each day.
  3. Variability in growth rates of deaths among regions decreases after the initial epidemic period, stabilizing around zero, indicating similar experiences across regions.

Test Week: Let's talk about Sewage

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 21 Aug 20
🔬 Science Public Health
  1. Testing sewage for the novel coronavirus can help in early detection of outbreaks before they spread widely.
  2. Analyzing sewage can provide valuable information about the presence of infectious diseases in a population, and monitoring waste patterns could lead to new public health insights.
  3. Challenges in using sewage testing for surveillance include factors like rainwater affecting the virus presence, variations in viral material survival, and the need for careful data interpretation.

Why R tends towards 1

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Aug 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. People's behavior plays a significant role in determining how a pandemic like Covid-19 progresses, even more than epidemiological models predict.
  2. Understanding the concept of R0, the basic reproduction number, helps in identifying peak infection points and herd immunity thresholds.
  3. Human behavior can cause fluctuations in the effective reproduction rate of a virus, ultimately leading to an equilibrium point where the virus becomes stable and endemic.

The Coming Big Rationing

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 22 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. When a vaccine for COVID-19 is developed, there will be a period of shortage, potentially lasting months or a year, before doses are widely available.
  2. Governments have plans to allocate vaccine doses in case of scarcity, usually by prioritizing different groups such as healthcare workers and high-risk populations.
  3. Methods like lotteries and non-monetary signaling could play a role in distributing limited vaccine doses fairly and encouraging positive behaviors during the pandemic.

Health Before Wealth: The Economic Logic

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 25 Mar 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. During a pandemic, the concept of trade-offs between public health and economy shifts. The pandemic alters the production possibilities set, making it crucial to prioritize health over wealth.
  2. In a pandemic, the production possibilities set shows that there is a significant 'bite' where choosing between preserving public health or the economy becomes an either/or situation.
  3. Implementing widespread and accessible testing for COVID-19 can help reduce the economic impact while maintaining public health, weakening the trade-off between the two.

Understand BA.5 & the COVID Vaccine for Kids

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The BA.5 Omicron subvariant is highly contagious but doesn't seem to be intrinsically more virulent than past variants. So far, the vaccine continues to offer protection against death and serious COVID outcomes against BA.5.
  2. Deciding on vaccinating children under 5 against COVID is nuanced and should be individualized. Although the risks of major vaccine side effects are extremely low, the long-term safety and efficacy for children are not yet fully understood.
  3. It's important to focus on vulnerable populations for vaccination and boosters to protect society as a whole. The data and understanding around COVID vaccination for young children are still evolving, requiring a nuanced approach towards decision-making.

Boost Your Immunity

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The FDA authorized a second booster shot for specific groups, emphasizing individual responsibility in COVID protection.
  2. Data supports high effectiveness of COVID vaccines in reducing hospitalization rates, especially with more booster shots.
  3. Consulting a primary care provider for personalized advice on receiving additional booster shots is crucial for making informed decisions.

Prep for BA.2

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. BA.2 is more contagious than BA.1, making it easier to catch.
  2. BA.2 does not cause more severe disease compared to BA.1, so if infected, outcomes may be similar to previous Omicron infections.
  3. BA.2 is not resistant to vaccines for hospitalization and death, offering continued protection from severe outcomes.

We Are Not Done

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. High school and college students are experiencing mixed emotions about removing masks, ranging from excitement to worry and empathy for others.
  2. As mask mandates are lifted, individuals are responsible for assessing their own risks and decisions about wearing masks.
  3. Key lessons learned in the age of Omicron include the evolving role of vaccines, the importance of ventilation, the legitimacy of infection-acquired immunity, and the increasing population immunity compared to last year.

Protect the Vulnerable

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 22 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Protecting vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, is crucial as we navigate the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.
  2. High-risk individuals can take steps to safeguard themselves, like getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing high-grade masks, and utilizing preventive medications.
  3. Efforts like global vaccine equity, recognizing natural immunity, improving ventilation, and increasing access to mental health services are vital for creating a safer, healthier post-pandemic world.

Giddy Up for Omicron

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 04 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Omicron is generally mild for vaccinated individuals and the vaccines are effective in preventing severe illness.
  2. Reducing isolation period to 5 days is scientifically sound, promotes normalcy, and is beneficial for mental health.
  3. Kids are more likely to get COVID-19 outside of school, and keeping them in school is important for social, emotional, and educational well-being.

Trust Pediatricians

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 18 Oct 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Children generally fare well if they get COVID-19, with hospitalization rates for the age group 5-11 being quite low.
  2. Data on the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 shows promising safety and efficacy, with a robust immune response and minimal side effects.
  3. It's essential to have open discussions and consider evolving information about vaccines and COVID-19 risks to make informed decisions for children.

Boost Your Vaccine Confidence

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The CDC recommends booster shots for specific groups at higher risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19 breakthrough infections, but the decision is complex and based on evolving data.
  2. Recommendations for Moderna and J & J vaccine recipients are still pending, but it's suggested that high-risk individuals consider a third dose, potentially even from a different type of vaccine for additional protection.
  3. The focus should be on trusting the existing vaccines and immune systems to manage COVID-19 risks, rather than solely relying on boosters to eliminate the pandemic threat entirely.

Protect Kids From Delta

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 09 Aug 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Delta variant is more contagious, leading to more COVID-19 cases, even among vaccinated individuals, but breakthrough cases are generally mild
  2. Vaccinated people do not currently need booster shots, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine shows promising protection against severe disease or death from Delta
  3. Children are generally at lower risk from Delta variant, but unvaccinated kids with underlying health conditions need extra protection measures like being surrounded by vaccinated adults and staying home when sick

Recap and Regroup

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jul 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Taking a break is important for mental health and well-being. Delegating tasks and slowing down can help with burnout.
  2. COVID-19 is still a significant concern. Vaccination remains crucial for protection, especially against the delta variant.
  3. Focusing on holistic health is key. Emphasizing mental health, relationships, and healthy lifestyle choices can lead to overall well-being.

Manage Expectations

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. People enjoy autonomy and want positive affirmations in decisions regarding health recommendations.
  2. It's important to understand that eradicating COVID-19 completely is impossible, but controlling it is feasible through vaccination and other preventive measures.
  3. The key to moving forward in this new era is through vaccinations, staying updated on health screenings, and being aware of the measures needed to control COVID-19.

Vax to Relax

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Parenting involves balancing restrictions and freedoms for children.
  2. Fall 2020 was a challenging time for kids due to the pandemic, and there are considerations about reopening schools in a safe manner.
  3. It's important to shift from a zero-risk approach to relative-risk-reduction mode when dealing with COVID-19 to address the broader needs of individuals and populations.

Look at the Big Picture

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 24 May 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The discussion covered reentry anxiety, redefining 'normal,' managing risk, media bias, and public health advice
  2. The importance of considering the well-being and normalcy of children during the pandemic
  3. Upcoming event with Monica Gandhi to discuss the harms of COVID-19 versus pandemic restrictions on kids

Call it What it is

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 15 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Put COVID-19 vaccine news in perspective: very rare side effects compared to the benefits of vaccination.
  2. Recognize the ongoing pandemic trauma: acknowledge the emotional and physical toll of accumulated stress.
  3. Reframe how we think about vaccines: they are the clear ticket out of the pandemic.

Don’t Look for an On/Off Switch

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 22 Mar 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Get comfortable living in the gray: Assess everyday risks, mitigate them, and make changes gradually to protect health and wellbeing.
  2. Vaccines are very effective: They prevent death and severe disease, reduce transmission, even against variants, but it's important for unvaccinated people to mitigate risks and practice caution.
  3. Reentry is a process: Expect it to take time and be patient with yourself and others as you ease back into normalcy, taking small steps and following recommended safety measures.

Consider Your Herd

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Risk is relative and everywhere - smart decisions come from knowing facts, values, and risk tolerance.
  2. Vaccinated people together can mingle freely without fear of severe illness.
  3. More vaccinated people mean a safer environment for everyone, reducing chances of infection.

Take the First Vaccine You’re Offered

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 25 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Take the first vaccine available, as all vaccines effectively prevent death and reduce hospitalization from COVID-19.
  2. Vaccine efficacy percentages are about relative risk, and all approved vaccines are successes of modern medicine.
  3. Currently available vaccines protect against variants, but regular boosters may be necessary in the future.

Trust Science

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 08 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Trust the science behind COVID-19 vaccines and public health measures.
  2. Vaccination is key to returning to normalcy, and optimism based on evidence is important for motivation.
  3. Continue to follow safety guidelines, get vaccinated, and maintain hope for a healthier future.

Spread the Word (Not the Vaccine)

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective, recommended for most people.
  2. Vaccination is crucial to overcome the pandemic, but other preventive measures like masks will still be necessary.
  3. Common vaccine myths should be dispelled to encourage people to trust science and get vaccinated.

Push For Better Testing

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jul 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. Appropriate testing is vital for managing COVID-19 effectively, and it's crucial to know which test to get in different situations, like feeling sick or having potential exposure.
  2. Regular and widespread testing, especially with cheap, self-administered rapid tests, is key to controlling the spread of the virus, even in asymptomatic carriers.
  3. Quick and frequent testing can help identify individuals who are contagious, allowing for immediate isolation and prevention of further transmission, but the approval and scaling up of these tests is crucial.

Let’s Rethink Testing

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jul 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The turnaround time for COVID test results can be delayed, leading to potential spread of the virus unknowingly.
  2. Frequent testing with real-time results can help in identifying the timing of infection and better containing the virus.
  3. Challenges like shortage of testing supplies, labs processing delays, and asymptomatic spread make controlling the virus difficult without regular testing.

Spread Facts

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jul 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. COVID-19 cases are surging in 39 states across the U.S. due to people ignoring public health advice and gathering in crowded spaces without masks.
  2. Wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing hands are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus and can help shut it down and reopen the economy.
  3. Face shields plus masks are recommended for those with regular, close contact indoors with others, while N95 masks are in short supply and should be reserved for healthcare workers.

Lend a Helping Hand

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health
  1. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the existing health inequalities for people of color, making it harder for them as they face job loss, housing issues, and struggles with technology for distance learning.
  2. In Washington, DC, disparities in health outcomes exist despite high rates of health insurance, with significant gaps in life expectancy between predominantly white neighborhoods and predominantly African American neighborhoods.
  3. Community of Hope, a DC non-profit, has been innovative in adapting to the pandemic, using telehealth to continue providing services and aiming to improve health outcomes and eliminate inequities in under-resourced communities.