Your Local Epidemiologist
@ylepidemiologist.bsky.social
👩🏻🔬 Simplifying public health with data-driven insights
💡 Helping you make informed health decisions
🎓 MPH, PhD
👇🏻 Get weekly science-backed updates
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/
💡 Helping you make informed health decisions
🎓 MPH, PhD
👇🏻 Get weekly science-backed updates
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/
10/ This is an excerpt from my weekly newsletter, which breaks down this issue and more. To read the full version with info on respiratory virus rates, the measles outbreak, and more, click here 👉 yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/a-brutal-f...
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
A brutal flu season, new dietary guidelines, and why cancer screenings are at risk
The Dose (January 13)
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
10/ This is an excerpt from my weekly newsletter, which breaks down this issue and more. To read the full version with info on respiratory virus rates, the measles outbreak, and more, click here 👉 yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/a-brutal-f...
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
9/ At the end of the day, these changes likely won't shift daily eating much for most adults. But the DGA shapes school meals, clinical guidance, and nutrition assistance programs that affect about 1 in 4 Americans, so clarity and scientific integrity are still crucial.
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
9/ At the end of the day, these changes likely won't shift daily eating much for most adults. But the DGA shapes school meals, clinical guidance, and nutrition assistance programs that affect about 1 in 4 Americans, so clarity and scientific integrity are still crucial.
8/ Another major shift: health equity was explicitly removed from evidence review and shaping guidance. Factors like socioeconomic status, race, culture, or representation in research will no longer be considered.
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
8/ Another major shift: health equity was explicitly removed from evidence review and shaping guidance. Factors like socioeconomic status, race, culture, or representation in research will no longer be considered.
7/ As a fun fact, the saturated fat limit is nearly reached with a glass of whole milk (4.5 grams), 1 tablespoon of butter (7 grams), and a 4-oz serving of ribeye (9 grams).
Alcohol guidance was softened. Specific daily limits were removed and instead offers a vague message to drink less.
Alcohol guidance was softened. Specific daily limits were removed and instead offers a vague message to drink less.
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
7/ As a fun fact, the saturated fat limit is nearly reached with a glass of whole milk (4.5 grams), 1 tablespoon of butter (7 grams), and a 4-oz serving of ribeye (9 grams).
Alcohol guidance was softened. Specific daily limits were removed and instead offers a vague message to drink less.
Alcohol guidance was softened. Specific daily limits were removed and instead offers a vague message to drink less.
6/ Recommended protein intake has increased by 50–100%, with less emphasis on plant-based sources. Animal fats like beef, beef tallow, whole milk, and butter are encouraged, while saturated fat limits technically remain <10% of calories.
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
6/ Recommended protein intake has increased by 50–100%, with less emphasis on plant-based sources. Animal fats like beef, beef tallow, whole milk, and butter are encouraged, while saturated fat limits technically remain <10% of calories.
5/ Food guidance still centers fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy, but now more explicitly includes full-fat dairy and red meat, as well as more explicit guidance to limit highly processed foods, and stronger limits on added sugars.
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
5/ Food guidance still centers fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy, but now more explicitly includes full-fat dairy and red meat, as well as more explicit guidance to limit highly processed foods, and stronger limits on added sugars.
4/ Let's talk about some of the changes. The guidelines were dramatically shortened—10 pages vs. 164 previously. This makes them simpler and more accessible, but with far less detail and nuance for clinicians, schools, and policymakers who need guidance to implement them.
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
4/ Let's talk about some of the changes. The guidelines were dramatically shortened—10 pages vs. 164 previously. This makes them simpler and more accessible, but with far less detail and nuance for clinicians, schools, and policymakers who need guidance to implement them.
3/For the first time, the final guidelines diverged from the independent Scientific Report & introduced a separate Scientific Foundation created by contracted scientists. Reactions are mixed. Some praise the emphasis on “real” whole foods. Others flag vague messaging, & questionable scientific rigor
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
3/For the first time, the final guidelines diverged from the independent Scientific Report & introduced a separate Scientific Foundation created by contracted scientists. Reactions are mixed. Some praise the emphasis on “real” whole foods. Others flag vague messaging, & questionable scientific rigor
2/ For context, the Dietary Guidelines are updated every 5 years and guide federal nutrition programs and best practices for health professionals. What’s different this time is how they were developed.
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
2/ For context, the Dietary Guidelines are updated every 5 years and guide federal nutrition programs and best practices for health professionals. What’s different this time is how they were developed.
10/ And with that, you're all caught up for the week! If you’re interested in getting a more in-depth look at this topic, head to yourlocalepidemiologistny.substack.com.
Love,
Your NY Epi 💙
Love,
Your NY Epi 💙
Your Local Epidemiologist in New York | Katelyn Jetelina | Substack
Translating public health science & news for New Yorkers, so you can take action for your community's health. Click to read Your Local Epidemiologist in New York, a Substack publication with tens of t...
yourlocalepidemiologistny.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
10/ And with that, you're all caught up for the week! If you’re interested in getting a more in-depth look at this topic, head to yourlocalepidemiologistny.substack.com.
Love,
Your NY Epi 💙
Love,
Your NY Epi 💙
9/ Finally, the infectious disease snapshot: flu may have peaked but remains very high across New York, RSV is also high but appears to be leveling off, and Covid is relatively stable. It’s not too late to get vaccinated, and masking in crowded indoor spaces is still a smart move.
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
9/ Finally, the infectious disease snapshot: flu may have peaked but remains very high across New York, RSV is also high but appears to be leveling off, and Covid is relatively stable. It’s not too late to get vaccinated, and masking in crowded indoor spaces is still a smart move.
8/ Staffing ratios are a public safety and health equity issue. Safe nurse staffing is linked to lower patient mortality, shorter hospital stays, and better health outcomes. Hospitals are using temporary staff to maintain care, but prolonged strikes could mean delayed procedures & patient transfers.
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
8/ Staffing ratios are a public safety and health equity issue. Safe nurse staffing is linked to lower patient mortality, shorter hospital stays, and better health outcomes. Hospitals are using temporary staff to maintain care, but prolonged strikes could mean delayed procedures & patient transfers.
7/ In other news, nearly 15,000 nurses across major NYC hospitals are on strike. This is the largest healthcare strike in the city’s history. They’re calling for enforceable staffing ratios, higher pay to retain nurses, and better protections against rising workplace violence.
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
7/ In other news, nearly 15,000 nurses across major NYC hospitals are on strike. This is the largest healthcare strike in the city’s history. They’re calling for enforceable staffing ratios, higher pay to retain nurses, and better protections against rising workplace violence.
6/ About 140,000 New Yorkers are now seeing their premiums rise. Without the enhanced subsidies, some middle-income adults who don’t get insurance through an employer are paying hundreds more each month for the same coverage. Congress is debating restoring the subsidies, but for now, costs are up.
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
6/ About 140,000 New Yorkers are now seeing their premiums rise. Without the enhanced subsidies, some middle-income adults who don’t get insurance through an employer are paying hundreds more each month for the same coverage. Congress is debating restoring the subsidies, but for now, costs are up.
5/ Next up: health insurance. Enhanced ACA subsidies expired at the end of last year, bringing back the “subsidy cliff.” Basically, if your income is just above a certain threshold, your financial help drops off sharply — even if premiums eat up a huge share of your paycheck.
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
5/ Next up: health insurance. Enhanced ACA subsidies expired at the end of last year, bringing back the “subsidy cliff.” Basically, if your income is just above a certain threshold, your financial help drops off sharply — even if premiums eat up a huge share of your paycheck.
4/ The plan includes expanding 3-K access, launching free childcare for 2-year-olds in high-need NYC areas, statewide pre-K expansion, and broader subsidies. It’s backed by $1.7 billion in state funding, but legislative approval, workforce growth, and long-term funding remain key hurdles.
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
4/ The plan includes expanding 3-K access, launching free childcare for 2-year-olds in high-need NYC areas, statewide pre-K expansion, and broader subsidies. It’s backed by $1.7 billion in state funding, but legislative approval, workforce growth, and long-term funding remain key hurdles.
3/ Access to high-quality childcare is linked to better child development, improved maternal mental health, higher workforce participation, and greater economic stability, which are all core drivers of health equity.
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
3/ Access to high-quality childcare is linked to better child development, improved maternal mental health, higher workforce participation, and greater economic stability, which are all core drivers of health equity.
2/ Starting with childcare, Gov. Hochul and Mayor Mamdani just announced a joint plan to bring truly universal childcare to NYC and expand it statewide. This would fill major gaps for families and mark one of the biggest childcare investments New York has ever made.
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
2/ Starting with childcare, Gov. Hochul and Mayor Mamdani just announced a joint plan to bring truly universal childcare to NYC and expand it statewide. This would fill major gaps for families and mark one of the biggest childcare investments New York has ever made.
12/ This post was driven by requests and questions submitted by all of you. For a deeper dive, click here: 👉 yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/flu-antivi...
Love,
@unbiasedscipod.bsky.social & The YLE Team💖
Love,
@unbiasedscipod.bsky.social & The YLE Team💖
Flu antivirals: What to know and when to use them
Cutting through the noise
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:25 PM
12/ This post was driven by requests and questions submitted by all of you. For a deeper dive, click here: 👉 yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/flu-antivi...
Love,
@unbiasedscipod.bsky.social & The YLE Team💖
Love,
@unbiasedscipod.bsky.social & The YLE Team💖
11/ If you or a loved one gets sick, what should you do?
🔹Get tested early (many pharmacies/clinics offer test-to-treat)
🔹If you're High-risk, start antivirals promptly
🔹If you aren't high-risk, discuss with your clinician
🔹Consider household members who may also need preventive treatment
🔹Get tested early (many pharmacies/clinics offer test-to-treat)
🔹If you're High-risk, start antivirals promptly
🔹If you aren't high-risk, discuss with your clinician
🔹Consider household members who may also need preventive treatment
January 14, 2026 at 10:25 PM
11/ If you or a loved one gets sick, what should you do?
🔹Get tested early (many pharmacies/clinics offer test-to-treat)
🔹If you're High-risk, start antivirals promptly
🔹If you aren't high-risk, discuss with your clinician
🔹Consider household members who may also need preventive treatment
🔹Get tested early (many pharmacies/clinics offer test-to-treat)
🔹If you're High-risk, start antivirals promptly
🔹If you aren't high-risk, discuss with your clinician
🔹Consider household members who may also need preventive treatment
10/ I'm also seeing people try to replace Tamiflu with star anise tea. While yes, Tamiflu was originally derived from a compound in star anise, the final drug is chemically very different. Consuming star anise to get Tamiflu is like eating flour hoping to get bread.
January 14, 2026 at 10:25 PM
10/ I'm also seeing people try to replace Tamiflu with star anise tea. While yes, Tamiflu was originally derived from a compound in star anise, the final drug is chemically very different. Consuming star anise to get Tamiflu is like eating flour hoping to get bread.
9/ I've also seen some myths circulating about Tamiflu, so let’s clear them up. Rare neuropsychiatric events were reported in Japan, but large studies show Tamiflu doesn’t cause hallucinations or suicidal thoughts. The flu itself can cause confusion or delirium, especially in kids with high fevers.
January 14, 2026 at 10:25 PM
9/ I've also seen some myths circulating about Tamiflu, so let’s clear them up. Rare neuropsychiatric events were reported in Japan, but large studies show Tamiflu doesn’t cause hallucinations or suicidal thoughts. The flu itself can cause confusion or delirium, especially in kids with high fevers.
8/ I mentioned GI upset above, but let's talk side effects. Like any medication, flu antivirals can cause side effects. The most common side effect is mild GI symptoms like nausea (especially with Tamiflu) or headaches. Serious issues are rare, & for high-risk people the benefits outweigh the risks.
January 14, 2026 at 10:25 PM
8/ I mentioned GI upset above, but let's talk side effects. Like any medication, flu antivirals can cause side effects. The most common side effect is mild GI symptoms like nausea (especially with Tamiflu) or headaches. Serious issues are rare, & for high-risk people the benefits outweigh the risks.