The hottest Public Health Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Unwanted viral guests at Thanksgiving

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1378 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Epidemiology
  1. This Thanksgiving, the chance of getting sick is lower than in the past four years, but we still need to be careful as viruses can spread quickly.
  2. Most illnesses right now are from the common cold, and RSV is affecting young kids, so it's smart to be cautious around babies during gatherings.
  3. Vaccination rates are up, which helps prevent severe illness, so it's a good idea to get vaccinated before the holidays if you haven't already.

Independent SAGE has joined substack!

Independent SAGE continues • 1418 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Vaccination Data Analysis
  1. Independent SAGE has launched a Substack to share insights about Covid research and data. They aim to provide valuable information directly from experts to the public.
  2. They plan to post updates roughly every two weeks, including responses to important new research and news. This helps keep everyone informed about the ongoing situation.
  3. The Substack will remain free for subscribers, encouraging more people to stay updated on Covid developments and public health measures.

Taxpayer Funded Censorship: How Government is Using Your Tax Dollars to Silence Your Voice

OpenTheBooks Substack • 349 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Misinformation Government spending Public Health Free speech
  1. A huge amount of taxpayer money, over $127 million, went to studying and fighting COVID-related misinformation. Much of this funding was aimed at promoting public health recommendations.
  2. The government has been closely working with social media companies to tag and remove content labeled as misinformation, raising concerns about free speech and trust in scientific advice.
  3. There are worries that the government’s approach to dealing with misinformation could be biased, leading to silencing dissenting voices and further eroding public faith in authorities.

An open letter to Harvard President, Alan Garber

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 268 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Mandates Academic Freedom Public Health Political Influence Medical Ethics
  1. Harvard should show a commitment to academic freedom by reinstating fired professors like Martin Kulldorff. This would help represent a wider range of ideas on campus.
  2. The COVID-19 vaccine mandate by the Biden administration had issues, particularly with not considering natural immunity. This raised questions about individual rights versus public health.
  3. The treatment of some faculty members during the pandemic raises concerns about political bias in academic settings. Harvard needs to correct its mistakes to ensure a true diversity of thought.

Covid Situation Report: Jul 18, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 279 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare policy Infectious Diseases COVID-19 updates
  1. Covid cases are rising again in England, especially among older people. This suggests that the virus is still active and not just a seasonal illness.
  2. Hospital admissions for Covid are also increasing and approaching the levels seen during last winter's peak. This means the healthcare system could face more pressure soon.
  3. Despite fewer deaths from Covid compared to last year, there has been a recent increase in fatalities. It's crucial to stay cautious and follow health guidelines to minimize risks.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1187 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Public Health Chronic Disease Physical activity Substance Use
  1. Eating well is really important for health. A better diet can help reduce the risk of diseases and save money on healthcare.
  2. Staying active helps improve overall health, but many people find it difficult due to challenges like unsafe neighborhoods or busy schedules. People need safe spaces and support to exercise.
  3. Reducing substance use, like smoking and excessive drinking, is crucial for health. Public health efforts have made progress, but more work is needed to keep improving.

Deep State Deconstruction: USAID

Who is Robert Malone • 28 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Aid Government Agencies Public Health Censorship Intelligence Operations
  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.

How to (and not to) detox in the New Year

Your Local Epidemiologist • 850 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Detox Fitness Mental health Public Health
  1. A balanced diet with good nutrition helps your body detox naturally. Eating healthy foods supports your organs and keeps everything working well.
  2. Staying hydrated is important. Drinking enough water helps your kidneys and digestive system do their job of removing waste.
  3. Many trendy detox methods, like extreme diets or detox drinks, are not proven to work and can sometimes be harmful. It's better to focus on healthy habits like regular exercise and reducing alcohol.

I'm pro-assisted dying in principle, but I'm not sure about the proposed law

Odds and Ends of History • 1407 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Ethics Legislation Public Health Social Policy
  1. Assisted dying has good intentions, as it offers a choice to people in pain, but how it’s implemented is very important. We need to make sure that laws respect individual decisions and do not lead to negative outcomes.
  2. The proposed law on assisted dying could be rushed, which raises concerns about its effectiveness and potential problems. It's better to take time to create a solid law that can address all the issues carefully.
  3. Looking at examples from other countries suggests that assisted dying laws can lead to serious issues if not properly controlled. We should learn from their experiences to avoid similar mistakes.

Imported Doubt: How RFK Jr. Spearheaded a Disinformation Campaign that Left Samoa's Children Exposed (Pt. 1)

Off-Topic • 209 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination policy Public Health Misinformation Epidemiology Health Advocacy
  1. In 2019, Samoa experienced serious measles outbreaks, affecting many kids and even leading to deaths. This situation showed how important vaccines are for preventing disease.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has played a big role in spreading misinformation about vaccines. His actions contributed to fears that led to lower vaccination rates in places like Samoa.
  3. The disinformation campaign not only put lives at risk but also highlighted the influence of individuals spreading doubt about vaccines, showing how public health can be harmed by such claims.

Covid mRNA Vaccines Required No Safety Oversight: Part Two

Human Flourishing • 2162 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Regulations Public Health
  1. Covid mRNA vaccines were obtained without safety oversight via military acquisition paths.
  2. Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) was used for Covid vaccines, designed for responding to bioterrorism situations.
  3. HHS partnered with DoD to utilize DoD's Other Transaction Authorities to bypass safety regulations for vaccine development.

Amnesty? What? Let me Dr. Paul Alexander be as clear as I can be Dr. Emily Oster & all you INSANE illogical Branch COVIDian MADMEN & WOMEN; there must be no fuck*ng forgiveness, EVER, for fake COVID!

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 2240 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Response Medical Ethics Healthcare system Policy Making
  1. Dr. Paul Alexander emphasizes no forgiveness for fake COVID.
  2. Punishment and justice are demanded for those who caused harm.
  3. Calls for accountability, no closure, and proper public inquiries.

The Dose (November 22)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1320 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Epidemiology Disease Control Healthcare policy
  1. Egg prices are rising due to avian flu outbreaks, which are affecting poultry farms. This means some people might pay more than $4 for a dozen eggs.
  2. A new study shows that pregnant women should aim to get their RSV vaccine at least five weeks before their due date for better protection for their babies.
  3. Good news on sexually transmitted infections (STIs): rates have decreased for the first time in years, thanks to better testing and public health campaigns.

Marty Makary: Is the First Good Pick for FDA commissioner in a long time

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 380 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Media bias FDA Regulations Public Health COVID-19
  1. Marty Makary is seen as a strong candidate for FDA commissioner with a history of standing up against corporate interests in healthcare. He's known for questioning common government policies during COVID, advocating for decisions based on evidence.
  2. Media coverage tends to portray Marty negatively, often ignoring his valid criticisms of lockdowns and vaccine mandates. His positions centered on protecting the vulnerable and ensuring informed consent are highlighted.
  3. Marty has a reputation for being open-minded and thoughtful in his approach to medicine. He aims to improve healthcare systems and make them more accessible, which is appreciated by some of his colleagues.

With Public Trust In Decline, Medical Establishment And Media Lash Out At Kennedy And Bhattacharya

Public • 386 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Trust Issues Political Influence
  1. Trust in medical institutions is decreasing, especially after issues with Covid, gender discussions, and addiction treatments. This loss of trust is causing people to question the authority of these institutions.
  2. There are growing concerns about the potential nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to significant health positions. Many believe their views could harm public health and spread misinformation.
  3. Experts warn that if these nominations happen, it could lead to worse health outcomes for Americans. There's fear that promoting anti-science ideas could result in increased sickness and death.

Duke health's 2025 policy would ban an 11 year old kid from visiting his sick or dying father

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 141 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Health Policy Medical Ethics Healthcare access Infectious Diseases
  1. Duke's new visitor policy can stop an 11-year-old from seeing a sick parent, which seems unfair. It's strange to think an age difference of just one year can change something so serious.
  2. The rules made by Duke don't seem to be based on solid evidence, making them feel illogical and hard to understand. A 13-year-old can visit, but not an 11-year-old, which doesn't make sense.
  3. There's a concern that this policy will cause emotional pain for families who can't visit their sick loved ones. Many believe hospitals should have better, data-driven policies to prevent such situations.

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 Vaccines Disease Management Policy Debate Healthcare Ethics
  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.

The future of vaccine policy in the United States

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1399 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination policy Public Health Epidemiology Government Influence
  1. Most Americans still believe in the importance of vaccinations, with a large percentage supporting routine childhood vaccines. This shows that vaccines are still widely trusted by the public.
  2. Vaccine policy in the U.S. is mainly controlled by individual states, not the federal government. This means each state can set different rules about vaccinations.
  3. The federal government can indirectly influence vaccine policies through agencies like the FDA and CDC. Changes in their approach could affect how vaccines are reviewed and recommended.

Quick update on Covid in England. Plus manifestos!

Independent SAGE continues • 479 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemics Vaccination Government Policy Health Systems
  1. There was a rise in Covid cases in May due to a new variant and reduced immunity, but it was smaller than previous waves. People received booster shots which helped protect the vulnerable.
  2. A new wave of Covid is expected this June, which may be larger than May's but hopefully not as big as last winter's. Countries like Portugal and California show signs of increased cases.
  3. The manifestos from political parties in the UK focused on future pandemic preparedness. The Greens and Liberal Democrats have plans for cleaner air, while Labour and Conservatives are less specific about Covid strategies.

One Health and the Deep State

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Surveillance Environmental health Legislation
  1. The One Health initiative focuses on balancing the health of humans, animals, and the environment, which can sometimes seem anti-human. This means decisions may prioritize animal or environmental health over human needs.
  2. There's a concern that the One Health approach could lead to more government surveillance and control over individuals' lives, similar to socialism. It aims for fairness but might treat people differently to achieve that.
  3. The recent One Health framework by the CDC is seen as a plan for future pandemic responses, encompassing broader issues like climate change and social health, which could restrict personal freedoms.

Masks work, our comprehensive review has found

Independent SAGE continues • 639 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Infectious Diseases Healthcare policy
  1. Masks help reduce the spread of respiratory diseases, including Covid-19, when worn correctly and consistently.
  2. N95 respirators are more effective than medical or cloth masks, especially in healthcare settings.
  3. Political beliefs and misinformation can affect how people view mask-wearing, but it's important for public health and safety.

The Real Cause of Health Care Dysfunction

In My Tribe • 1002 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Public Health Health Policy Medicare Insurance
  1. A big reason we spend so much on healthcare is that we often get expensive tests and procedures that don't help us much.
  2. Simply making more people eligible for Medicare won't fix the problem of overspending in healthcare.
  3. Many people like to think that healthcare costs are high because of greedy doctors or insurance companies, but that's not the main reason.

When will the COVID race be run?

Independent SAGE continues • 1218 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Pandemic response Health Inequality Long Covid
  1. The COVID-19 pandemic isn't a race that simply ends; it changes over time and is influenced by how well we can respond to the virus.
  2. Vaccines have helped reduce severe cases of COVID-19, but many vulnerable people still face risks, and measures need to be put in place to protect them.
  3. Improving ventilation and using masks can help slow down the virus's spread, and next-generation vaccines may offer better long-term protection.

getting squirrely

bad cattitude • 372 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulation Civil Liberties Public Health Bureaucracy
  1. A squirrel named Peanut was taken from his home by health officials after a complaint, even though he was a beloved pet. This incident raises concerns about government overreach and the treatment of innocent animals.
  2. Many people reacted strongly online, showing that this event struck a chord with public sentiment regarding personal rights and the power of regulation. It symbolizes a larger issue of government's intrusion into private lives.
  3. The situation highlights the idea that if people accept small violations of their rights, larger issues can follow. It's crucial to uphold the sanctity of one's home and personal freedom to prevent further abuses.

The Prophets: D.A. Henderson

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3125 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Global Health Public Health Pandemics Lockdowns Epidemiology
  1. D.A. Henderson, an epidemiologist, warned that pandemic lockdowns may not effectively stop a disease but could lead to severe public health consequences.
  2. Lockdowns during the pandemic caused disruptions in education, social development, mental health issues, domestic violence, and overdose deaths, highlighting the broader impacts of such measures.
  3. Public health should focus on not just stopping a disease but also consider the broader health of society, including targeted protection for the ill and medically vulnerable, to avoid harmful consequences of overreaction like societal shutdowns.

Karma mailbag

Slow Boring • 1690 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Legislation Public Health Labor Market Local news
  1. The post discusses right-wing conspiracy theories about Taylor Swift, but does not endorse them.
  2. There's an observation that Taylor Swift's song 'Karma' may contain elements from an older song, 'Music is My Hot Hot Sex' by CSS.
  3. The post highlights positive news stories like Medicaid expansion, newborn great white sharks, and successful transit projects.

The Dose (December 13)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 953 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Vaccines Public Health Disease Prevention Health Insurance
  1. There's a national discussion happening about the U.S. healthcare system, revealing mixed feelings among Americans. Even though many like their insurance, dissatisfaction rises when they actually need to use it.
  2. H5N1 testing in milk is finally being implemented, which is important for tracking its spread. This change comes after significant public health concern and other testing efforts at local levels.
  3. Moderna's RSV vaccine trial for infants was stopped because some babies became sicker after receiving it. This shows the ongoing challenge of developing safe vaccines for young children.

The Dose (December 6)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1002 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Infectious Diseases Health Policy Epidemiology
  1. Getting vaccinated for Covid-19 at the right time can make a big difference. If you haven't had Covid recently, fall is a good time for your shot.
  2. The flu vaccine is important and does not give you the flu. It reduces severe cases, and many misunderstandings about it need to be cleared up.
  3. HPV vaccinations are really effective and can significantly lower the risk of cervical cancer in young women. This shows how important vaccines are for public health.

The failures of 2020: why didn’t the UK ‘Act Fast and Isolate’?

Independent SAGE continues • 979 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Government Policy Health Systems Infectious Disease
  1. The UK did not act quickly enough during the early stages of the pandemic, leading to a high number of avoidable deaths. Other countries, especially in East Asia, took swift actions that resulted in much lower death rates.
  2. Public health measures, like efficient testing and isolation support, were not properly implemented in the UK. This failure caused prolonged lockdowns and significant economic damage.
  3. Learning from the successes of East Asian countries is crucial for future pandemic responses. The UK needs to adapt its public health strategies to be more proactive and supportive.

Everything "That Friend" Wants You to Know About H5N1 Bird Flu

OK Doomer • 310 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Pandemics Vaccines
  1. H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in humans, raising concerns about its potential spread this flu season. It's important to be aware of the situation and stay informed.
  2. There are worries that health agencies are not taking adequate measures to control the spread of H5N1. People are feeling uncertain about safety measures and what actions to take.
  3. Historically, mild strains of flu have led to serious outbreaks after mutations. We should remember past mistakes and prepare better this time to avoid repeating history.

Outbreak Outlook, Jan 15

Force of Infection • 88 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Disease Public Health Healthcare access Epidemiology Vaccination
  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.

40 Horsemen of the COVID Apocalypse bringing death, suffering, pain, job loss, collaterol damage, destroyed lives & futures to societies, to America, Canada, UK etc.; these 40, up from 33, we start

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1867 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Public Health
  1. There are 40 individuals on the list causing harm during the COVID pandemic, up from 33.
  2. People on the list are being asked questions under oath about the decisions they made.
  3. The list includes names like Fauci, Gates, and more who are involved in COVID policies.

The Chicken Little Problem: Are We About to Have a Bird Flu Pandemic, or Not?

OK Doomer • 136 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic Preparedness Disease Prevention Public Health Health Communication Healthcare policy
  1. Bird flu is becoming a bigger concern as new cases and mutations suggest it might spread more easily among humans. This raises questions about a potential pandemic.
  2. There have been warnings for nearly three years about H5N1, indicating it may be getting closer to affecting people significantly.
  3. Governments have not adequately prepared for pandemics in the past, which increases the risk for future outbreaks like bird flu.

The Great COVID Ventilator Death Cover-up

The New Normal • 3085 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Medical Procedures COVID-19 Mortality Rates Public Health Healthcare system
  1. Many COVID patients were put on ventilators in spring 2020, leading to high mortality rates.
  2. There were concerns that ventilators were being overused and used incorrectly, leading to more harm than good.
  3. The medical establishment has faced criticism for the lack of studies on how many patients died due to ventilators, with a perceived cover-up.

The Forgotten Lessons Of Infectious Disease Control

¡Do Not Panic! • 1572 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases Public Health Vaccines Preventive measures Epidemiology
  1. Public health gains against infectious diseases have always been fought for and achieved in a social context, not just through medicine.
  2. Clean air and water have been crucial in reducing disease outbreaks throughout history.
  3. Vaccines and treatments should be the last line of defense in public health, not the first.