The Dose: We Need to Stop Romanticizing "Back in the Day"
Rejection of public health interventions across multiple fronts is causing harm
Welcome to The Dose! We’re delivering bi-weekly health and science updates right to your inbox, and we’re including some humor, art, and fun along the way.
Maybe not quite so much humor this edition. Our last 2 podcast episodes tackled topics that are top-of-mind as a result of anti-science disinformation: vaccinations and fluoride use for dental health.
If you missed it, measles is back. While the US was declared free from endemic measles in 2000, recent outbreaks and localized spread of measles means that we may not hold that title for much longer. Measles is one of the most contagious human diseases, caused by the measles virus (MeV). It isn’t just a mild childhood illness. It can cause severe complications and death. Mortality due to measles ranges from 0.1 to 10% depending on geography and access to supportive care. In addition, it can lead to immune amnesia, where your memory immunity to other diseases is wiped out after measles. Andrea discussed that in more detail here.
The most infuriating part? This is entirely preventable. We’ve had safe and effective measles vaccines for over 60 years.
Make sure to watch the full discussion on this week’s episode:
Unfortunately, measles vaccine rates are plummeting globally. Some of that is due to delays because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but much of it is due to parents intentionally avoiding the MMR vaccination as a result of broad anti-vaccine rhetoric. We need 95% of the population to be immune through vaccination in order to prevent outbreaks of measles that are typically imported via international travel.
Don’t have time to watch the full episode? We answered some common questions in this post:
On a semi-positive vaccine-related note, the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is working very well. New data demonstrate that the vaccine is roughly 54% effective at preventing infection with SARS-CoV-2, including the predominant JN.1 variant. For an RNA virus that has been mutating regularly as a result of uncontrolled global spread, that is very impressive.
The bad news: uptake of the vaccine is abysmal. Only 11% of kids have gotten the 2023-2024 vaccine, and only 21.9% of adults. People, please. If you haven’t gotten this vaccine, do so. EVERYONE 6 months and older is eligible. Vaccines only work if you get them. For everyone asking: well 54% seems bad, why should I bother?
Vaccines are risk mitigation tools, not magical forcefields. NOTHING, including all other risk mitigation tools, is ever 100% effective. Seatbelts aren’t 100% effective. Airbags aren’t 100% effective. Pasteurization isn’t 100% effective.
54% effective is better than 0% effective, right?
We discussed anti-science sentiment in the context of disinformation related to GMOs and food safety last week in a piece we co-authored alongside Drs. Kevin Folta and Nicole Keller, which was published by the Genetic Literacy Project. Read it here.
We understand that there is a lot of messaging out there about genetic engineering and ‘chemicals’ that are intended to scare you. In reality, genetically engineered crops are extensively studies and evaluated before they are even allowed to be grown largescale. With a global population of 8.1 million, we need tools to ensure our food supply is safe, sustainable, and scalable. Genetic engineering is a way to do that. We should be embracing scientific technologies, not sliding backwards.
Fluoride is also under attack. Fluoridated water is considered on of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks. It is added to public drinking water (in most places in the US) as it helps mineralize and strengthen teeth, preventing tooth decay.
Lots of “functional dentists” have been leading the charge and demonizing fluoride, but the data are unequivocal. Unfortunately, we are seeing the impact of disinformation and public outcry affecting policy. There are localities in the US who are removing fluoride from water supplies. The result? Increased rate of dental caries and severe cavities, especially among children. This is another preventable disease.
Why are we trying to undo all the public health progress we’ve made in the last 100+years?
We discussed fluoride and more about oral health with Dr. Ashley Lerman, a pediatric dentist and founder of Firstgrin, an organization dedicated to make dental health accessible to all, including individuals of lower socioeconomic status. Watch it here:
Valentine’s Day was yesterday, and there was no shortage of science and anti-wellness industry memes. Here are a few of our favorites, including one from
:And one for the kiddos:
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Additionally, if you are committed to science-based interventions and want to help in the fight against further backsliding of following evidence, not opinion, please read our newsletter on Congressional attempts to legitimize homeopathy and consider joining our call to action.
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That’s it for this issue! If you’re not currently a subscriber, we’d love to have you! If you are, thanks for being here!
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Yours in science,
Andrea and Jess