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/
9/ 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 recent opioid settlement, & more, click here 👉 yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/thanksgiving-guide-to-viruses-family
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Thanksgiving guide to viruses, family conversations, and public health updates
The Dose (November 24)
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
9/ 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 recent opioid settlement, & more, click here 👉 yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/thanksgiving-guide-to-viruses-family
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
8/ At the end of the day, holidays aren’t for carrying every disagreement. Hopefully this was useful, but ultimately take what helps, leave what doesn’t, and give yourself permission to simply enjoy the meal and each other. Happy Thanksgiving from the YLE Team 💙 We’re grateful for all of YOU!
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
8/ At the end of the day, holidays aren’t for carrying every disagreement. Hopefully this was useful, but ultimately take what helps, leave what doesn’t, and give yourself permission to simply enjoy the meal and each other. Happy Thanksgiving from the YLE Team 💙 We’re grateful for all of YOU!
7/ I've also seen people ask if you can get bird flu from eating turkey.
The answer is no. There have been no reported human cases of bird flu in the U.S. linked to handling raw food from the grocery store. But remember to cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill bacteria and viruses.
The answer is no. There have been no reported human cases of bird flu in the U.S. linked to handling raw food from the grocery store. But remember to cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill bacteria and viruses.
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
7/ I've also seen people ask if you can get bird flu from eating turkey.
The answer is no. There have been no reported human cases of bird flu in the U.S. linked to handling raw food from the grocery store. But remember to cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill bacteria and viruses.
The answer is no. There have been no reported human cases of bird flu in the U.S. linked to handling raw food from the grocery store. But remember to cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill bacteria and viruses.
6/ Moving on food availability and safety, bird flu (H5N1) has taken out nearly 2 million turkeys since September 1. While this happens every year —bird flu spreads two times faster in turkeys than in chickens— it has started earlier than expected. This shouldn’t impact supply.
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
6/ Moving on food availability and safety, bird flu (H5N1) has taken out nearly 2 million turkeys since September 1. While this happens every year —bird flu spreads two times faster in turkeys than in chickens— it has started earlier than expected. This shouldn’t impact supply.
5/ Two other things:
Language matters. Try replacing “misinformation” or “mandate,” with “falsehoods,” “rumors,” or “school requirements” instead.
And remember: you won’t change someone’s mind in one sitting. The goal is to build trust so they feel safe coming back with more questions.
Language matters. Try replacing “misinformation” or “mandate,” with “falsehoods,” “rumors,” or “school requirements” instead.
And remember: you won’t change someone’s mind in one sitting. The goal is to build trust so they feel safe coming back with more questions.
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
5/ Two other things:
Language matters. Try replacing “misinformation” or “mandate,” with “falsehoods,” “rumors,” or “school requirements” instead.
And remember: you won’t change someone’s mind in one sitting. The goal is to build trust so they feel safe coming back with more questions.
Language matters. Try replacing “misinformation” or “mandate,” with “falsehoods,” “rumors,” or “school requirements” instead.
And remember: you won’t change someone’s mind in one sitting. The goal is to build trust so they feel safe coming back with more questions.
4/ If vaccines come up, remember:
🔹80–90% of people support routine vaccination
🔹Hesitancy is a spectrum. Most people aren’t deniers, so don’t assume the extreme if someone has questions.
🔹Separate Covid vaccine conversations from routine childhood vaccines so emotions around Covid don’t spill over.
🔹80–90% of people support routine vaccination
🔹Hesitancy is a spectrum. Most people aren’t deniers, so don’t assume the extreme if someone has questions.
🔹Separate Covid vaccine conversations from routine childhood vaccines so emotions around Covid don’t spill over.
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
4/ If vaccines come up, remember:
🔹80–90% of people support routine vaccination
🔹Hesitancy is a spectrum. Most people aren’t deniers, so don’t assume the extreme if someone has questions.
🔹Separate Covid vaccine conversations from routine childhood vaccines so emotions around Covid don’t spill over.
🔹80–90% of people support routine vaccination
🔹Hesitancy is a spectrum. Most people aren’t deniers, so don’t assume the extreme if someone has questions.
🔹Separate Covid vaccine conversations from routine childhood vaccines so emotions around Covid don’t spill over.
3/
🔹Never mock or judge. Defensiveness shuts things down.
🔹Don’t make it personal.
🔹Find common ground. Shared values build connection.
🔹Work together.
🔹Ask, don’t tell. Curiosity opens dialogue.
🔹Lead by example. Model the tone you want.
🔹Focus on why, not what.
🔹And know when to walk away.
🔹Never mock or judge. Defensiveness shuts things down.
🔹Don’t make it personal.
🔹Find common ground. Shared values build connection.
🔹Work together.
🔹Ask, don’t tell. Curiosity opens dialogue.
🔹Lead by example. Model the tone you want.
🔹Focus on why, not what.
🔹And know when to walk away.
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
3/
🔹Never mock or judge. Defensiveness shuts things down.
🔹Don’t make it personal.
🔹Find common ground. Shared values build connection.
🔹Work together.
🔹Ask, don’t tell. Curiosity opens dialogue.
🔹Lead by example. Model the tone you want.
🔹Focus on why, not what.
🔹And know when to walk away.
🔹Never mock or judge. Defensiveness shuts things down.
🔹Don’t make it personal.
🔹Find common ground. Shared values build connection.
🔹Work together.
🔹Ask, don’t tell. Curiosity opens dialogue.
🔹Lead by example. Model the tone you want.
🔹Focus on why, not what.
🔹And know when to walk away.
2/ First: tough conversations. You may not see eye to eye with relatives on what’s happening in the world. There's a lot happening right now, so it's bound to happen! Thinking Is Power shared 8 evidence-based ways to keep these conversations humane and productive:
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
2/ First: tough conversations. You may not see eye to eye with relatives on what’s happening in the world. There's a lot happening right now, so it's bound to happen! Thinking Is Power shared 8 evidence-based ways to keep these conversations humane and productive:
10/ That’s your weekly Dose, you’re all caught up for the week! Stay healthy, stay safe, and have an amazing Thanksgiving!
Want this straight to your inbox? yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Want this straight to your inbox? yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Your Local Epidemiologist | Katelyn Jetelina | Substack
Providing a direct line of "translated" public health science to you, so you can take action for your community's health. Click to read Your Local Epidemiologist, a Substack publication with hundreds ...
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
10/ That’s your weekly Dose, you’re all caught up for the week! Stay healthy, stay safe, and have an amazing Thanksgiving!
Want this straight to your inbox? yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Want this straight to your inbox? yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
9/ One other piece of good news:
✔️New research shows short bursts of vigorous exercise are incredibly efficient for heart health: 6× better for heart health, 9× better for diabetes prevention. If vigorous activity isn’t your thing, moderate exercise is still great. The bottom line: move your body.
✔️New research shows short bursts of vigorous exercise are incredibly efficient for heart health: 6× better for heart health, 9× better for diabetes prevention. If vigorous activity isn’t your thing, moderate exercise is still great. The bottom line: move your body.
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
9/ One other piece of good news:
✔️New research shows short bursts of vigorous exercise are incredibly efficient for heart health: 6× better for heart health, 9× better for diabetes prevention. If vigorous activity isn’t your thing, moderate exercise is still great. The bottom line: move your body.
✔️New research shows short bursts of vigorous exercise are incredibly efficient for heart health: 6× better for heart health, 9× better for diabetes prevention. If vigorous activity isn’t your thing, moderate exercise is still great. The bottom line: move your body.
8/ Some good news from science this week:
✔️ 86 million girls in high-risk countries are vaccinated against HPV. This has prevented 1.4 million deaths prevented
✔️ Clinical trial data shows the mRNA flu vaccine to be 34.5% more effective than a licensed seasonal flu vaccine
✔️ 86 million girls in high-risk countries are vaccinated against HPV. This has prevented 1.4 million deaths prevented
✔️ Clinical trial data shows the mRNA flu vaccine to be 34.5% more effective than a licensed seasonal flu vaccine
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
8/ Some good news from science this week:
✔️ 86 million girls in high-risk countries are vaccinated against HPV. This has prevented 1.4 million deaths prevented
✔️ Clinical trial data shows the mRNA flu vaccine to be 34.5% more effective than a licensed seasonal flu vaccine
✔️ 86 million girls in high-risk countries are vaccinated against HPV. This has prevented 1.4 million deaths prevented
✔️ Clinical trial data shows the mRNA flu vaccine to be 34.5% more effective than a licensed seasonal flu vaccine
7/ The broader consequences are significant: fewer trained professionals, more barriers for students from low-income backgrounds, and added strain on already stretched health and social systems. A formal proposal will be released in the next few weeks, which launches a 30-day public comment period.
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
7/ The broader consequences are significant: fewer trained professionals, more barriers for students from low-income backgrounds, and added strain on already stretched health and social systems. A formal proposal will be released in the next few weeks, which launches a 30-day public comment period.
6/ The Department of Education has removed MPH & DrPH programs from their draft definition of what counts as a“professional degree.” If this sticks, it could limit federal aid, scholarships, and loan repayment for students, making it harder to enter public health careers.
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
6/ The Department of Education has removed MPH & DrPH programs from their draft definition of what counts as a“professional degree.” If this sticks, it could limit federal aid, scholarships, and loan repayment for students, making it harder to enter public health careers.
5/ Funds will support evidence-based strategies such as:
🔹Treatment
🔹Narcan distribution
🔹Education campaigns
🔹Youth outreach
🔹Rehabilitation services
This funding won’t undo the loss families experienced, but it will help communities finally rebuild what the industry broke.
🔹Treatment
🔹Narcan distribution
🔹Education campaigns
🔹Youth outreach
🔹Rehabilitation services
This funding won’t undo the loss families experienced, but it will help communities finally rebuild what the industry broke.
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
5/ Funds will support evidence-based strategies such as:
🔹Treatment
🔹Narcan distribution
🔹Education campaigns
🔹Youth outreach
🔹Rehabilitation services
This funding won’t undo the loss families experienced, but it will help communities finally rebuild what the industry broke.
🔹Treatment
🔹Narcan distribution
🔹Education campaigns
🔹Youth outreach
🔹Rehabilitation services
This funding won’t undo the loss families experienced, but it will help communities finally rebuild what the industry broke.
4/ Last week, a judge ruled that $7 billion from the Sackler family (Purdue Pharma) will go to communities to fund opioid crisis solutions. The Sacklers aggressively marketed opioids while denying their addictive properties. This represents justice for families who lost loved ones to the epidemic.
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
4/ Last week, a judge ruled that $7 billion from the Sackler family (Purdue Pharma) will go to communities to fund opioid crisis solutions. The Sacklers aggressively marketed opioids while denying their addictive properties. This represents justice for families who lost loved ones to the epidemic.
3/ Covid-19 levels remain very low nationally. Norovirus—the highly contagious stomach bug—is spreading across the U.S., especially the South. Wash hands thoroughly, clean bathrooms with bleach, and skip cooking if sick. And remember, hand sanitizer won’t work against this one.
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
3/ Covid-19 levels remain very low nationally. Norovirus—the highly contagious stomach bug—is spreading across the U.S., especially the South. Wash hands thoroughly, clean bathrooms with bleach, and skip cooking if sick. And remember, hand sanitizer won’t work against this one.
2/ Respiratory illnesses are lower than previous Thanksgivings, which means chances of getting sick are lower. We are seeing RSV rise rapidly though, so it’s best not to pass infants from person to person unless mom got the RSV vaccine during pregnancy or the infant received the monoclonal antibody.
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
2/ Respiratory illnesses are lower than previous Thanksgivings, which means chances of getting sick are lower. We are seeing RSV rise rapidly though, so it’s best not to pass infants from person to person unless mom got the RSV vaccine during pregnancy or the infant received the monoclonal antibody.
12/ And with that, you're all caught up for the week. We're off next week for Thanksgiving, but I'll be back the following week with more public health updates.
Want these updates in your inbox? Subscribe: yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com
Love,
Matt
Your Local Epidemiologist in California
Want these updates in your inbox? Subscribe: yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com
Love,
Matt
Your Local Epidemiologist in California
Your Local Epidemiologist in California | Substack
Translating the ever-changing science of public health for Californians so you can take action for your community’s health. Click to read Your Local Epidemiologist in California, a Substack publicatio...
yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:24 PM
12/ And with that, you're all caught up for the week. We're off next week for Thanksgiving, but I'll be back the following week with more public health updates.
Want these updates in your inbox? Subscribe: yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com
Love,
Matt
Your Local Epidemiologist in California
Want these updates in your inbox? Subscribe: yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com
Love,
Matt
Your Local Epidemiologist in California
11/ As of June, silicosis is now a reportable disease in California. Case data is displayed on the CDPH Silicosis Dashboard, giving public health teams the ability to track trends and strengthen protections. Every case is preventable—and improving safety is a public health priority.
November 24, 2025 at 4:24 PM
11/ As of June, silicosis is now a reportable disease in California. Case data is displayed on the CDPH Silicosis Dashboard, giving public health teams the ability to track trends and strengthen protections. Every case is preventable—and improving safety is a public health priority.
10/ Silicosis is caused by inhaling silica dust when cutting engineered stone. The workers affected are largely young immigrant men, many in their 30s and 40s. Most were initially misdiagnosed, which delayed treatment.
November 24, 2025 at 4:24 PM
10/ Silicosis is caused by inhaling silica dust when cutting engineered stone. The workers affected are largely young immigrant men, many in their 30s and 40s. Most were initially misdiagnosed, which delayed treatment.
9/ The final issue on my radar today: silicosis among countertop workers. California has confirmed 432 cases since 2019, including at least 25 deaths and 48 lung transplants. It’s a rapidly progressive, entirely preventable occupational lung disease.
November 24, 2025 at 4:24 PM
9/ The final issue on my radar today: silicosis among countertop workers. California has confirmed 432 cases since 2019, including at least 25 deaths and 48 lung transplants. It’s a rapidly progressive, entirely preventable occupational lung disease.
8/ While the pilot rolls out, remember: Medi-Cal now offers expanded coverage for doulas, midwives, and 12 months of postpartum care. Some hospitals continue offering prenatal care even after closing delivery units.
November 24, 2025 at 4:24 PM
8/ While the pilot rolls out, remember: Medi-Cal now offers expanded coverage for doulas, midwives, and 12 months of postpartum care. Some hospitals continue offering prenatal care even after closing delivery units.
7/ A new state law aims to manage this crisis by creating a 10-year pilot for “standby perinatal services.” This will allow small rural hospitals to provide essential labor and delivery care even without full maternity units. Humboldt and Plumas counties will be the first to participate.
November 24, 2025 at 4:24 PM
7/ A new state law aims to manage this crisis by creating a 10-year pilot for “standby perinatal services.” This will allow small rural hospitals to provide essential labor and delivery care even without full maternity units. Humboldt and Plumas counties will be the first to participate.