Public health officials in the United States are currently warning listeners about several key health concerns.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, respiratory viruses remain a major issue this winter. Seasonal influenza activity is high nationwide, with the CDC estimating at least 15 million flu illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths so far this season. ABC News, citing CDC data, reports that flu activity remains elevated even as some regions are seeing small declines in positive tests. Health authorities continue to urge listeners to get vaccinated if they have not yet done so, and to stay home when sick, wash hands frequently, and wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces if they are vulnerable.

The University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy reports that respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, also remains elevated, particularly affecting young children, with emergency visits and hospitalizations up among those 0 to 4 years old. COVID-19 continues to contribute to hospitalizations, and federal officials expect the 2025–2026 respiratory season to have a similar burden from COVID, flu, and RSV as last year. Older adults, infants, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions are strongly encouraged to stay current on recommended vaccines and to seek prompt care for trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion.

Measles is another concern. ProMED, an international disease surveillance network run by the International Society for Infectious Diseases, has posted recent alerts on measles cases in multiple U.S. states, including North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, and South Carolina, reflecting ongoing outbreaks tied to gaps in vaccination. Public health agencies stress that measles is highly contagious and that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide strong protection. Anyone exposed who is not fully vaccinated should contact their health provider or local health department quickly.

There are also important national policy changes. On January 5, 2026, the CDC revised the childhood vaccine schedule, cutting the number of diseases for which vaccines are routinely recommended from 17 to 11. Coverage in Time magazine, AFP Fact Check, and analyses from the University of California, Berkeley and state and local health departments explain that vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, rotavirus, influenza, and RSV are now recommended mainly for high-risk children or through shared decision-making with a clinician. Pediatric and infectious disease experts, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America, warn that this may increase the risk of outbreaks if families misinterpret these vaccines as unnecessary and emphasize that these vaccines remain available, safe, and effective.

Thanks for tuning in, and remember to subscribe for the latest public health updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Public health alerts in the United States today center on changes to childhood vaccination policy, ongoing measles activity, and typical winter respiratory risks, especially flu and COVID.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, federal guidance has recently reduced the number of vaccines that are universally recommended for every child, cutting the list of routinely recommended diseases from 17 down to 11. ABC affiliate WGHP in North Carolina reports that this means shots for illnesses such as COVID‑19, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, and influenza are no longer in the core “for every child” schedule, though the vaccines themselves remain available and generally covered by insurance. North Carolina public health leaders quoted in that report stress that the science supporting these vaccines has not changed; what changed is federal policy about which ones are pushed as routine for all children, and this has created confusion for many families. They emphasize that parents should talk directly with their child’s clinician about staying protected against these dropped diseases, especially COVID and hepatitis, which can still cause severe illness.

The overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule has triggered strong concern among many health experts and lawmakers. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle reports that public health specialists warn the change could leave children less protected against a half‑dozen serious diseases and reverse decades of progress against preventable infections. A press release summarized by Quiver Quantitative describes how more than one hundred members of Congress have called on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restore the prior childhood immunization schedule and fully reinstate the independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, arguing that weakening routine vaccination endangers children and families and undermines long‑standing scientific consensus.

In practical terms, the key alert for listeners is this: even if a vaccine is no longer labeled as “universally recommended,” you can usually still get it, and many pediatricians will still advise it based on a child’s risk, local disease activity, and school requirements. Listeners should check with their state or local health department and their child’s doctor to clarify what is required for school entry, what is strongly advised, and what is merely optional on paper but still medically wise.

Measles remains a specific concern. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, cited in coverage by WGHP, has confirmed several recent measles cases linked to an outbreak that began in South Carolina, and officials warn that pockets of low vaccination make communities vulnerable to wider spread. Measles is highly contagious and can be serious, especially for young children and those with weakened immune systems. Health authorities urge listeners to be alert for high fever, cough, red watery eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth, and a red blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body. Anyone who suspects measles should call ahead before visiting a clinic or emergency department so staff can take precautions to avoid exposing others.

Seasonal flu is another ongoing public health focus. North Carolina’s recent report, again highlighted by WGHP, documented dozens of flu‑related deaths so far this season, and officials warn that the season is still developing. Public health agencies across the country continue to recommend a flu shot for almost everyone six months and older, especially older adults, pregnant people, those with chronic conditions, and young children. Standard prevention guidance still applies: wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, clean high‑touch surfaces, stay home when sick, and avoid close contact with vulnerable people if you have respiratory symptoms.

COVID‑19 remains in...

Listeners, on January 5, 2026, the CDC announced a major update to the US childhood vaccine schedule, reducing routine recommendations from 17 or 18 diseases to 11, effective immediately, according to The New York Times and Contemporary Pediatrics. This shift, led by acting CDC director Jim O’Neill under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., introduces a three-tiered framework: routine for all children, high-risk-based, and shared clinical decision-making. Routine vaccines now focus on core diseases like measles, polio, and pertussis, while others such as RSV, hepatitis A and B, influenza, COVID-19, rotavirus, and more move to risk-based or provider consultation categories, as reported by AJMC and Pharmacy Times.

The changes stem from a December 2025 presidential directive to align US policies with high-income countries like Denmark, Germany, and Japan, though experts note key differences in population and disease risks. Federal officials claim an exhaustive evidence review emphasizes transparency and informed consent, and all vaccines remain insurance-covered without cost-sharing, per Mehmet Oz of CMS.

Public health leaders strongly criticize the move. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns it could confuse parents, erode trust, and drop vaccination rates. Robert Hopkins of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases highlights risks amid a severe respiratory season, citing last flu season's 280 child deaths and RSV's role in infant hospitalizations. Former CDC vaccine expert Demetre Daskalakis told The New York Times the process bypassed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' transparent, evidence-based methods, lacking pediatric and immunology input. Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor, stressed on X that the schedule is a recommendation empowering parents, but warned of unnecessary fear and sickness without scientific backing. Immunologist Helen Chu and the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease called it alarming and unwarranted, with no new safety signals justifying the cuts.

Pharmacists play a key role in clarifying guidelines and boosting access, as Pharmacy Times urges staying up-to-date on routines to combat outbreaks. No other national public health alerts dominate today, but listeners should consult providers on personalized needs amid this controversy.

Thank you for tuning in, and please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Listeners, public health alerts across the United States today center on a severe flu surge, rising measles cases, and updates to childhood vaccination guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports over 7.5 million flu illnesses nationwide this season, with 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths as of late December 2025, driven by a dominant H3N2 strain that's evading much prior immunity and only partially matched by this year's vaccine, which offers about 30 to 40 percent protection against severe disease according to Dr. Philip Chan of the Rhode Island Department of Health. CDC surveillance shows sharp increases in test positivity, outpatient visits, emergency encounters, and admissions, with the highest burden on adults over 65, children under 5, non-Hispanic Black people, and American Indian or Alaska Native populations; weekly hospitalizations hit 19,000 in one recent period, marking some of the highest early-season levels since 2010-2011.

Flu symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and general malaise, but RSV and COVID-19 are circulating too, sometimes co-infecting patients. Pima County Health Department in Arizona issued an alert on January 2 noting doubled influenza-like illness rates at 6 percent, exceeding the 3 percent epidemic threshold, with dropping hospital bed availability prompting enhanced precautions like masking, visitor limits, and CDC respiratory prevention strategies in healthcare settings. Experts urge vaccination even if imperfect, plus handwashing, staying home when sick, and early testing or antivirals for high-risk groups; seek urgent care for trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or inability to eat or drink.

Measles cases hit 2,065 in 2025—the most in over 30 years—per CDC data through December 30, with risks of losing elimination status tied to a West Texas outbreak. A JAMA Network Open study found babies missing 2-month vaccines are over seven times more likely to skip MMR shots by age 2, with on-time first doses dropping three percentage points from 2021 to 2024 amid post-pandemic hesitancy; pediatricians should counsel parents early on the schedule starting at birth or 2 months for diseases like hepatitis B, rotavirus, DTaP, polio, Hib, and pneumococcal.

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently voted to end universal hepatitis B shots for all newborns, recommending them only if mothers test positive or status unknown, shifting others to parent-provider decisions at 2 months; this has sparked debate over reduced infant protection versus choice, with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also dropping childhood vaccine reporting requirements.

Stay vigilant, get vaccinated, test if symptomatic, and protect vulnerable loved ones amid this respiratory season peak fueled by holiday travel.

Thank you for tuning in, listeners—please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Listeners, as we kick off 2026, public health alerts across the United States center on surging respiratory illnesses and a major measles outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports over 2,000 measles cases nationwide as of late December 2025, the highest in more than 30 years, spanning 44 jurisdictions from Alabama to Wyoming, with 93 percent in unvaccinated or unknown status individuals. New Jersey Department of Health noted a case at Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminals B and C on December 12, while Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed one from American Airlines flight 2384 arriving at Boston Logan on December 24. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced two confirmed cases in Platte County on December 30 among unvaccinated children who traveled to Arizona, with potential public exposures listed and symptom monitoring ending mid-January. An ongoing outbreak in South Carolina has 179 cases near Spartanburg County. Measles, one of the world's most contagious viruses, lingers in the air for hours; only 3 percent of cases had one MMR vaccine dose and 4 percent had two. About 11 percent required hospitalization, over half under age 19. The CDC urges two MMR doses for immunity, especially for travel or outbreak areas.

Flu season is hitting hard, with CDC estimating 7.5 million illnesses, 3,100 deaths including eight children, and hospitalizations nearly doubling last week to 5.6 per 100,000 people. A new subclade K variant of influenza A(H3N2), harder for immunity to recognize, drives the surge, unmatched perfectly by this season's vaccine but still recommended to cut severe risks. Scripps News and LAist report high or very high activity in most states, especially northeast, midwest, and south, with New York seeing a record 71,000 cases in one week. Grant County Health Officer in Washington warns of sharp rises in emergency visits, advising hand hygiene, staying home when sick, masks in healthcare, and updated 2025-26 COVID-19 and flu shots for all 6 months and older. CDC notes 32 jurisdictions at high or very high flu levels. Respiratory guidance: Stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without meds and symptoms improve, then mask for 5 more days; healthcare workers mask 10 days post-onset.

COVID-19 circulates with a new variant NB.1.8.1 reported by CBS News, amid calls for vaccines and antivirals started early for high-risk cases. Facilities like Carle Health recommend masks for those with respiratory symptoms.

Vaccine updates from Becker's Hospital Review include CDC shifts to shared decision-making for COVID-19 in healthy kids and pregnant women, hepatitis B newborn doses, and no routine affirmation of coadministering multiple shots.

Stay vigilant, get vaccinated, test if symptomatic, and consult providers. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Listeners, as of late December 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a sharp rise in flu cases across the United States, driven by holiday travel and gatherings. The CDC estimates at least 4.6 million flu illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths so far this season, with numbers expected to climb higher. Many cases link to a new H3N2 variant called subclade K, making up 89% of analyzed samples since late September, according to CDC data cited by ABC News and HealthandMe.

This strain, sometimes dubbed super flu, has fueled hospital surges, with New York State reporting a record 71,123 cases in the week ending December 20—the highest weekly total since reporting began in 2004—per the New York State Department of Health. Hospitalizations there jumped 63% that week to 3,666. CDC data shows a 14.3% rise in national hospitalization rates in early December, as noted by EvriMagaci, with emergency rooms in places like Manhattan and New York City overwhelmed, per The New York Times syndromic surveillance.

Three pediatric flu deaths are confirmed this season, per ABC News, following 288 last year where 90% of victims were unvaccinated, according to a CDC study. Experts like Dr. Darien Sutton of ABC News emphasize it's not more severe than typical flu but widespread, urging vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. While vaccine effectiveness against subclade K is lower at 32-39% in adults, it offers cross-protection, reducing severe outcomes, say specialists from Stony Brook Medicine and Northeastern University's Neil Maniar. The CDC recommends antivirals like Tamiflu within 48 hours of symptoms.

Beyond flu, the CDC has linked a Salmonella outbreak in Florida and 21 other states to raw oysters, sickening at least three in Florida. Seek medical help for high fever, prolonged diarrhea, bloody stools, or dehydration, per CDC guidance.

Measles cases have topped 2,000 in 2025, with 50 outbreaks and three deaths, CIDRAP reports from CDC data. Nearly all patients—93%—were unvaccinated or status unknown, with 11% hospitalized. Airport exposure alerts are active in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Colorado due to infected travelers. State officials in places like Uxbridge, Massachusetts, warn of potential exposures at multiple sites.

In DuPage County, Illinois, week 51 surveillance from the DuPage County Health Department shows rising influenza ICU admissions at 26 season-to-date, plus COVID-19 and RSV cases, with five respiratory outbreaks in facilities. Baltimore City Health Commissioner Michelle Taylor declared a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert for December 30 due to dangerous wind chills, advising protection for vulnerable residents.

Stay vigilant, listeners: vaccinate, wash hands, mask in crowds, stay home when sick, and hydrate if ill. Early action saves lives.

Thank you for tuning in, and please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Listeners, as of today, the United States faces several key public health alerts centered on rising infectious disease cases amid winter conditions. ProMED reports increased influenza cases in New York, particularly H3N2 among children in Buffalo, signaling a seasonal uptick. Meanwhile, measles surges dramatically with nearly 2,000 confirmed cases across more than 40 states this year, the worst in over three decades, including ongoing hot spots in South Carolina, Arizona, and Utah, as noted by Xtalks and STAT News. The New Jersey Health Department alerts residents to a potential measles exposure at Newark Liberty International Airport on December 19, linked to an infected traveler passing through multiple terminals.

The CDC warns of low but monitored risk from highly pathogenic avian influenza, following Washington's first human H5N5 case in November, which resulted in a fatality, according to King County Public Health. Symptoms mimic seasonal flu, but human-to-human transmission remains undocumented here. ProMED also highlights theileriosis alerts in Kansas cattle, though human risk is minimal.

Vaccination gaps fuel concerns: the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently shifted hepatitis B guidance, weakening the universal newborn dose recommendation, a move criticized by the American Medical Association as reckless amid falling DTaP rates and tetanus increases tied to lower immunization and climate factors, per AMA and ProMED. Measles elimination status is at risk, with three deaths this year.

Travelers, CDC urges updated vaccines, handwashing, and mosquito precautions for global risks like chikungunya in China and Bolivia, and polio in Europe and Africa. Today marks International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, emphasizing resilient systems, as per UN Secretary-General's message.

Stay vigilant: get vaccinated, monitor symptoms like fever or rash, and consult physicians on personalized risks, especially with holiday gatherings boosting respiratory viruses.

Thank you for tuning in, listeners—please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Public health alerts in the United States today focus on a mix of respiratory viruses, vaccine‑preventable diseases, and foodborne risks, especially as holiday travel and gatherings peak.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity is high or rapidly rising in most of the country, with an estimated millions of flu illnesses so far this season and tens of thousands of hospitalizations and nearly two thousand deaths. The News reports that hospitals in several states have gone on high alert for what many are calling a “super flu,” driven largely by the H3N2 subtype of influenza A, which has mutated enough that many people’s existing immunity offers less protection. In Georgia, local reports describe the CDC classifying flu activity as high, with school disruptions and rising hospitalizations. Health officials stress that flu vaccination, even late in the season, reduces the risk of severe disease and death, and they urge listeners to stay home when sick, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently, and consider masks in crowded indoor settings.

Travel and Tour World reports that COVID‑19 infections are also rising or likely increasing in roughly thirty states, with moderate to high viral activity in parts of the Midwest and Northeast, based on federal surveillance data and wastewater signals. While overall COVID levels are below earlier pandemic peaks, experts note steady increases in test positivity and hospital visits. Co‑circulation of flu and COVID‑19 creates a double challenge, especially for older adults, people with chronic conditions, pregnant people, and very young children. The CDC continues to recommend that all eligible people receive updated COVID‑19 and seasonal flu vaccines as the first line of defense, and public health messaging emphasizes masks in crowded indoor spaces, improving ventilation, and testing before visiting vulnerable family members.

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is also increasing in many states, affecting infants, toddlers, and older adults. Some hospitals, according to multiple regional reports summarized by CIDRAP, have reinstated visitor restrictions and mask requirements due to combined surges of flu, COVID‑19, and RSV, especially in parts of Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York.

Vaccine‑preventable childhood diseases are another major public health alert. CIDRAP reports that the United States has surpassed two thousand confirmed measles cases this year, the highest since the early 1990s, with several deaths and about one in ten patients requiring hospitalization, largely among unvaccinated children and adults. South Carolina alone has more than one hundred fifty cases, with other clusters in multiple states. Experts warn that even a modest drop in measles‑mumps‑rubella, or MMR, vaccination could return the country to hundreds of thousands of measles cases annually, levels not seen since the mid‑20th century. At the same time, CIDRAP highlights confusion about pertussis, or whooping cough, recommendations, with many Americans unaware that pertussis and whooping cough are the same disease. Public health agencies underscore that staying current on routine childhood and booster vaccines is critical to prevent outbreaks.

Foodborne illness is also on the alert list. WHIO, citing a CDC announcement, reports a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters distributed across the country. Federal officials advise listeners not to eat raw or undercooked oysters from implicated lots and to check local or CDC notices for brand and harvest details. People who recently ate raw oysters and develop symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps are urged to contact a healthcare provider.

Finally, agricultural health surveillance continues to track H5N1 avian influenza in dairy cattle. CIDRAP reports that the USDA recently confirmed a new H5N1 spillover event in a...

Several significant health alerts are affecting the United States as we approach the end of 2025. According to ProMED, a global health surveillance network, influenza activity remains a major concern nationwide, with H3N2 subclade K identified as the prevalent strain circulating across the country. The CDC has already reported pediatric deaths from influenza this season, with confirmed fatalities in Colorado and North Carolina.

Measles continues to pose a serious threat, with ProMED reporting 148 confirmed cases in South Carolina alone, along with additional cases documented in South Dakota and North Carolina. Listeners should be aware that measles exposure has occurred at multiple airports and on flights, suggesting potential for continued spread in transportation hubs.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, remains active in Tennessee and Texas according to health surveillance data. ProMED also confirms that Hansen's disease has been identified in Florida, marking an important development for a condition that requires specific clinical attention and contact investigation.

A critical development involves mpox, with ProMED documenting the first confirmed 2025 case in El Paso, Texas. This represents an important epidemiological marker as the nation continues monitoring mpox transmission patterns.

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, continues circulating domestically, though international cases have shown serious complications including respiratory distress syndrome.

Additionally, the CDC Advisory Council on Immunization Practices recently voted to eliminate long-standing recommendations for hepatitis B vaccines for newborns, according to reporting from NOTUS and Undark. This represents a significant shift in pediatric immunization guidance that parents and healthcare providers should be aware of as they make vaccination decisions for infants.

Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe for continued health updates and information. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Listeners, as of today, influenza activity across the United States has spiked dramatically, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting high or very high influenza-like illness in 17 jurisdictions, including 14 states, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and New York City. The CDC's latest FluView update shows the percentage of respiratory viruses testing positive for flu jumping from 8.1% to 14.8%, outpatient visits for respiratory illness rising to 4.1% above the national baseline, and nearly 10,000 flu hospitalizations last week, with two new pediatric deaths confirmed from H3N2 strains, bringing the season total to three. CDC estimates 4.6 million flu illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths so far this season, dominated by influenza A H3N2 subclade K at 89.8% of characterized viruses, which is raising concerns about vaccine match. The CDC urges everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated if not already, and to seek antivirals early, especially high-risk groups.

Respiratory syncytial virus activity is low nationally but increasing in the Southeastern, Southern, and Mid-Atlantic regions, with more emergency visits and hospitalizations among children under 5. COVID-19 remains low but is rising, with very high wastewater levels in Indiana and high in Connecticut, Nebraska, and Vermont per CDC data. Pertussis cases are elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, though below November peaks, and remain highly contagious.

Measles cases have surged to 1,912 confirmed through early December, the highest in 25 years according to Johns Hopkins experts, driven by outbreaks like 129 cases in South Carolina with three deaths, 92% in unvaccinated or unknown status individuals. ProMED reports recent exposures at airports in South Dakota and North Carolina flights.

On vaccines, the CDC on December 16 reversed its universal hepatitis B birth dose recommendation for infants of negative-testing mothers, adopting individual decision-making per Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidance, while maintaining it for positive or unknown status mothers; this aligns with APIC input but has sparked uproar over dropping a policy that cut child infections by 99%, amid broader schedule reviews.

In Southern California, the South Coast Air Quality Management District extended a mandatory No-Burn alert through December 20 at 11:59 PM in the South Coast Air Basin to protect public health from poor air quality.

ProMED notes additional US alerts like infant botulism in Tennessee and first pediatric flu deaths in Colorado and North Carolina this season.

Stay vigilant, get vaccinated, practice hand hygiene, and consult providers for symptoms. Listeners, thank you for tuning in and please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Listeners, the biggest public health update today centers on a major shift from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, which has adopted new recommendations from its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, known as ACIP, ending the universal hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns. According to the CDC press release, this change, formalized yesterday, applies to babies born to mothers who test negative for hepatitis B, moving to individual-based decision-making where parents consult healthcare providers to decide on vaccination timing. The CDC still mandates the vaccine within 12 hours of birth if the mother has hepatitis B or her status is unknown, and for other low-risk infants, the first dose should wait until no earlier than two months of age. This reverses a 34-year policy started in 1991 that aimed to protect against a virus causing liver failure, cirrhosis, and cancer.

The decision has sparked controversy. Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill stated in the press release that it restores informed consent for parents since newborns from negative-testing mothers face little immediate risk. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly criticized it, with President Susan J. Kressly calling it irresponsible and warning it could lead to more infections in kids, as universal shots since 1991 cut child and teen cases by 99 percent per physician Omer Awan in Scripps News. The AAP and other groups like the American College of Physicians continue recommending the birth dose for all newborns, emphasizing decades of evidence on its safety and benefits outweighing rare side effects like brief pain or fever.

Hospitals now face key choices, as noted by Healthbeat, with many not yet detailing if they'll stick to universal dosing despite the CDC shift; some anecdotally plan to continue. Parents are urged to discuss with pediatricians, especially since ACIP also suggests possible serology testing later to check immunity needs.

Beyond this, ProMED reports no major U.S.-specific outbreaks today, but recent alerts include ongoing measles concerns with accelerating cases in South Carolina and persistent risks noted in U.S. updates, plus highly pathogenic avian influenza in Wisconsin dairy cattle. CDC stacks highlight weekly notifiable disease data up to early December, with flu surveillance active but no urgent national alerts flagged in the first Public Health Alerts summary.

Stay vigilant, listeners—wash hands, get recommended vaccines after consulting providers, and monitor local health department updates for flu or other seasonal threats.

Thank you for tuning in, and please subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Listeners, as of today, public health alerts across the United States focus on stable respiratory illnesses, surging pertussis cases, and major shifts in federal vaccine guidance, particularly for hepatitis B in newborns. The Mississippi State Department of Health reports that influenza-like illness cases held steady at 2.5 percent for the week ending December 6, lower than last year's 4.1 percent, with the highest rates in District III at 15.4 percent and among those aged 5 to 24. COVID-like illness rose slightly but stays below flu levels, while RSV detections dropped, though it remains a top cause of infant hospitalizations nationwide. Most concerning, pertussis or whooping cough cases hit 139 this year, topping totals from the past 16 years, mainly in kids 5 to 17, with 20 unvaccinated infants under 7 months affected; the department urges boosters for parents, grandparents, and childcare workers.

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted recently to end the universal recommendation for hepatitis B shots in all newborns, a policy since 1991 that slashed child infections by 99 percent. Now, it's limited to babies born to hepatitis-positive mothers, with others delaying to at least two months via individual decisions, plus optional antibody tests before later doses. Critics like Dr. Cody Meissner of Dartmouth and Sen. Bill Cassidy call this risky, noting half of carriers are unaware and vaccines safely prevent liver disease, cancer, and failure. Local pushback is strong: Deschutes County in Oregon and St. Charles Health System follow West Coast Health Alliance guidelines sticking to birth doses for full protection. California Governor Gavin Newsom hired former CDC leaders Susan Monarez and Dr. Debra Houry as consultants to counter federal changes amid vaccine misinformation concerns, joining a West Coast alliance with Oregon and Washington for science-based advice.

Portland Public Health renews calls for HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis testing due to rising cases. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases stresses flu, COVID-19, and RSV prevention through updated vaccines, hygiene, and clean air, noting antivirals help high-risk groups. The World Health Organization highlights seasonal flu and avian flu risks in the U.S., plus progress on universal health coverage but ongoing challenges.

Stay vigilant this winter: get vaccinated if eligible, wash hands, cover coughs, and consult providers—vaccines cut severity even if not foolproof. Pregnant women, infants, elderly, and immunocompromised need extra care.

Thank you for tuning in, listeners—please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Public health alerts in the United States today center on respiratory viruses, shifting vaccine guidance, food and product safety concerns, and several notable infectious disease signals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity is rising but still uneven nationally, with high levels in a small number of states and low to moderate levels elsewhere. An Associated Press report on the latest CDC update notes that influenza severity indicators remain in a “mild” range overall, but trends are climbing as the winter virus season progresses. The same report explains that RSV season appears to be starting later than usual, with relatively low activity so far but growing infections in the South and mid-Atlantic, suggesting more RSV to come. COVID‑19 transmission continues at a sustained level, yet uptake of the current COVID vaccines is low, with only a small minority of adults and children having received the updated dose. CDC data summarized by the AP indicate that older adults and medically vulnerable people remain at highest risk for severe outcomes, and experts continue to stress vaccination, staying home when sick, and improving indoor ventilation as key protective steps.

New evidence from CDC scientists, published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and summarized by the University of Minnesota’s CIDRAP, shows that the 2024–25 COVID vaccine substantially reduced emergency and urgent care visits among children and adolescents. In kids ages 5 to 17, the updated vaccine cut the risk of COVID‑related emergency or urgent visits by roughly half over many months, reinforcing that vaccination continues to provide meaningful protection for younger listeners, especially those with underlying conditions.

At the same time, major changes to federal vaccine recommendations are generating concern among many medical experts. Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families reports that the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently voted to end the long‑standing universal recommendation for a hepatitis B birth dose for babies born to hepatitis B–negative mothers, shifting instead to “shared clinical decision‑making.” Critics argue this could lower coverage and, over time, allow more children to acquire hepatitis B. NPR and Democracy Now both highlight broader worries from former CDC officials and outside experts that the current advisory committee is rolling back recommendations for COVID and other childhood vaccines, potentially undermining disease control just as measles outbreaks and other preventable infections are resurging in multiple states.

Several targeted infectious disease alerts are also in effect. The global surveillance network ProMED reports a recent measles case in Connecticut—the first there since 2021—along with rising measles activity in other parts of the country, reinforcing the importance of MMR vaccination, especially before travel or large gatherings. ProMED also notes increased histoplasmosis cases in Tennessee and continuing Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida coastal waters, reminders for listeners with weakened immune systems to take extra care around soil, bird or bat droppings, and warm seawater or raw shellfish.

In food and consumer safety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains ongoing recalls and safety alerts for certain foods, drugs, supplements, and medical products. The FDA’s recall page is updated frequently and includes items ranging from microbial contamination in food to sterility problems in medical products; public health officials urge listeners to check current FDA alerts if they hear about a recall affecting something they use regularly. Separately, the Drug Enforcement Administration has moved to temporarily place the designer benzodiazepine bromazolam into Schedule I after health authorities reported clusters of overdoses and deaths related to its use, underscoring...

Public health alerts in the United States today center on infant safety, vaccine policy changes, and ongoing infectious disease risks that listeners should know about right now.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a major national alert involves an expanding outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart brand infant formula. NPR reports that at least 51 infants in 19 states have been sickened, with cases going back as far as late 2023 and continuing through this month. The CDC’s updated case definition now includes any infant with botulism who was exposed to ByHeart formula at any time since the product’s release. No deaths have been reported, but infant botulism can cause life‑threatening paralysis and breathing problems, often requiring intensive care. Health officials are urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using any ByHeart formula products and to contact a pediatrician right away if an infant shows symptoms such as poor feeding, constipation, weak cry, floppy muscles, or trouble breathing. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and listeners using ByHeart products should check the latest CDC and FDA guidance and recall information.

Vaccine policy is another urgent public health issue. CNN and other outlets report that the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently voted to end the long‑standing recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns at birth, shifting instead to a strategy that relies on hepatitis B testing during pregnancy and targeted vaccination for babies whose mothers test positive. Many leading medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, strongly oppose this change and continue to recommend that all babies receive a hepatitis B vaccine dose within the first day of life, even when the mother tests negative. Infectious disease experts warn that relying on testing alone could miss infections in mothers who were not tested, had false‑negative results, or became infected later in pregnancy, potentially allowing a resurgence of childhood hepatitis B. For listeners who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, this means you should talk directly with your obstetric and pediatric providers about keeping the birth‑dose hepatitis B shot for your baby, regardless of how the national recommendation may shift.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, remains an area of concern, especially in some large cities. STAT News reports that New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles are again seeing rising mpox case numbers, and Los Angeles County has now identified at least three cases of the more concerning clade I strain, apparently from local community spread rather than travel. While overall cases remain much lower than during the 2022 emergency, public health researchers are calling for booster trials of the Jynneos mpox vaccine to ensure protection remains strong, especially in higher‑risk groups such as men who have sex with men and people with multiple sexual partners. Listeners in these communities are advised to check their vaccination status, stay alert to local health department advisories, and seek medical evaluation quickly if they develop new rashes, sores, or flu‑like symptoms.

More broadly, public health and medical organizations are raising alarms about weakening federal public health infrastructure and guidance. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has condemned recent staffing cuts at the CDC and Department of Health and Human Services, warning that they threaten reproductive and public health response capacity. Health policy analyses also note that upcoming changes in federal funding and insurance programs over the next year could affect access to vaccines, chronic disease care, and digital health tools, making it especially important for listeners to stay informed about local health department resources and...

Public health alerts in the United States today center on vaccines, respiratory viruses, and winter health risks that listeners should know about.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has just voted to roll back the long‑standing policy of giving a universal hepatitis B vaccine dose at birth. NPR and STAT News report that the panel voted 8 to 3 to recommend the birth dose only for babies born to mothers who test positive for hepatitis B, or whose infection status is unknown, and to suggest that other parents talk with their clinicians and, if they choose vaccination, start no earlier than two months of age. This is a major change from more than 30 years of advising that every newborn get a hepatitis B shot within 24 hours of birth.

STAT News notes that this change is not yet final; it must be approved by the CDC’s acting director or the Health and Human Services secretary before it becomes part of the official U.S. immunization schedule. In the meantime, several medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and New York State’s Department of Health, say they plan to continue recommending the hepatitis B birth dose for all infants. A joint statement from multiple medical and patient advocacy organizations, released by the American College of Emergency Physicians, calls the ACIP vote dangerous, warns it will increase childhood hepatitis B infections, and urges CDC leadership to reject the new recommendation.

For listeners, the key practical point is this: if you are pregnant or expecting a baby, talk early with your obstetric and pediatric care teams about hepatitis B testing in pregnancy and about birth‑dose vaccination. Hepatitis B can cause lifelong liver disease and liver cancer, and infection in infancy almost always becomes chronic. Because testing during pregnancy can miss some infections, many professional groups still view the universal birth dose as a critical safety net.

Beyond hepatitis B, winter in the United States continues to bring elevated circulation of respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID‑19, and RSV. CDC surveillance typically shows hospitalizations for these infections climbing through December and January, especially among older adults, very young children, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions. Updated flu and COVID‑19 vaccines, and in some cases RSV vaccines for older adults and monoclonal antibody products for certain infants, remain important tools to reduce severe disease. Listeners should check local health department or CDC updates for current activity in their area and seek prompt testing and treatment if they develop high fever, trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion.

Standard winter health advisories still apply: stay home when acutely ill, improve indoor ventilation when possible, practice hand hygiene, and use high‑quality masks in crowded indoor spaces if you or your household are at higher risk. Extreme cold, storms, and power outages can also threaten health, especially for people who rely on powered medical devices or temperature‑sensitive medications, so emergency preparedness—backup power plans, extra prescriptions, and checking on vulnerable neighbors—remains an important part of public health guidance at this time of year.

Thanks for tuning in, and remember to subscribe so you don’t miss the latest health updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Several important health alerts have emerged for the United States and Americans traveling abroad as we head into the second week of December.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a health advisory regarding a new outbreak of Marburg virus disease identified in Ethiopia's South Ethiopia and Sidama regions. This is the first reported outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Ethiopia. As of December third, no suspected, probable, or confirmed cases related to this outbreak have been reported in the United States or other countries. However, the CDC notes that clinicians should be aware of the potential for imported cases and should obtain detailed travel histories from patients with acute febrile illness, particularly those who have recently traveled to affected areas of Ethiopia.

Health officials are also warning Americans headed to Haiti and India to practice precautions after travelers have returned home from those countries with rabies. These travel warnings underscore the importance of seeking appropriate medical care and post-exposure prophylaxis if there is any potential exposure during travel.

On the vaccination front, King County Public Health continues to emphasize the importance of hepatitis B vaccination for newborns. Public health officials recommend that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine within twenty-four hours of delivery and complete the full three to four dose series by eighteen months of age. This recommendation comes as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is expected to vote on potential changes to hepatitis B birth dose recommendations at meetings scheduled for December fourth and fifth. The hepatitis B vaccine has been extensively tested for safety and efficacy, with studies showing that ninety-eight percent of healthy infants achieve full immunity after completing the full vaccine series, with protection lasting at least thirty years.

Thank you for tuning in to today's health alert update. Be sure to subscribe for the latest public health information. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Good morning, listeners. Here's what you need to know about public health alerts across the United States as of today, December 2nd, 2025.

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is meeting this week to discuss significant changes to vaccination recommendations. Most notably, the committee is reconsidering the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine, a recommendation that has been in place for decades. According to public health advocates, any changes to this long-standing guidance could have ripple effects across nearly 600 state statutes and regulations that govern school immunization requirements and insurance mandates. This discussion comes as vaccination rates continue to decline nationally, and cases of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and pertussis are increasing.

Speaking of measles, the Pan American Health Organization reports that after achieving measles elimination in the Americas and a 98 percent drop in cases in 2024, the region is now facing renewed transmission in 2025. However, deaths have declined 88 percent since 2000, showing the ongoing impact of vaccination efforts.

In Arizona, health officials are investigating E. coli cases potentially linked to the Arizona State Fair petting zoo. Listeners in that area should exercise caution, particularly when visiting animal contact areas.

New York City residents should be aware of a botulism risk associated with uneviscerated fish products. The FDA has issued guidance on this matter, so listeners should check their seafood purchases carefully.

Additionally, weather-related disruptions are occurring today in some areas. Transportation services have been suspended in certain regions due to inclement weather, though essential medical transportation like dialysis services continue operating.

On a positive note, in recognition of World AIDS Day, DC Health and local officials are highlighting free resources and testing services for residents seeking HIV-related care and support.

Thank you for tuning in to today's public health update. Please remember to subscribe for the latest health information affecting your community. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Several significant public health alerts are affecting the United States today. ProMED, the global disease surveillance network, reports multiple concerning developments across the country that listeners should be aware of.

In the Midwest, a foodborne illness outbreak linked to unpasteurized milk has been confirmed in West Virginia. This outbreak underscores the ongoing risks associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products, particularly as we head into the holiday season when food safety becomes increasingly important.

The Pacific Northwest is dealing with multiple E. coli outbreaks. Washington and California are investigating O157 cases connected to walnut consumption, while Washington is simultaneously tracking an O121 strain potentially linked to chicken. Additionally, an E. coli outbreak in Idaho has been traced to unpasteurized milk, continuing the pattern of dairy-related illness across multiple states.

Pertussis cases continue rising across the country. ProMED reports increased cases in Arkansas and Kentucky, with Kentucky particularly concerning as it has already recorded a third infant death from the disease. This makes pertussis vaccination crucial, especially for those in contact with infants.

Infant botulism remains a serious concern. Multiple cases have been identified related to powdered infant formula, with the FDA monitoring the situation closely. Parents should be extremely cautious about formula sourcing and storage.

Measles outbreaks persist in multiple locations including South Carolina, New York, Utah, and Arizona, with ProMED reporting 141 confirmed cases in the United States. This reflects declining vaccination rates in certain communities and poses a risk to unvaccinated populations, particularly children.

Shigellosis has been identified in Maine, creating a cluster outbreak that health officials are actively monitoring.

Regarding influenza, the CDC and health experts are tracking a new H3N2 subclade K variant that differs genetically from this year's flu vaccine. This variant currently accounts for fifty-six percent of all H3N2 flu cases according to recent CDC data. Infectious disease experts warn this could lead to a rougher flu season, particularly as vaccination rates have declined with over two million fewer flu shots administered at U.S. pharmacies through October compared to the previous year. The variant does not appear to cause more severe disease, but increased infection rates mean more hospitalizations overall.

Norovirus activity has also escalated, with positive tests doubling over the past three months according to CDC data. There is no vaccine for norovirus, so thorough hand hygiene remains the primary prevention method.

Thank you for tuning in to this public health update. Be sure to subscribe for continued coverage of health advisories affecting your community. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Several significant public health alerts are affecting the United States today. The most urgent involves an ongoing multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula. According to the FDA and CDC, as of November 26, 2025, a total of 37 infants across 17 states have been confirmed or suspected to have infant botulism after exposure to this product. The affected states include Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. All 37 infants have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported. The contamination involves Clostridium botulinum, and the California Department of Public Health has confirmed the presence of this bacterium in cultures from opened cans of the formula. The FDA recommends that consumers worldwide should not use any ByHeart brand infant formula, as all products are included in the recall. Parents should keep containers in a safe place labeled do not use, and if a child develops symptoms, caregivers should contact their state health department. The California Department of Public Health has established a hotline at 1-833-398-2022 for parents and caregivers with concerns, available Monday through Sunday from 7 AM to 8 PM Pacific Standard Time.

Beyond the infant formula crisis, listeners should be aware of additional health threats circulating across the nation. Measles cases have been reported in South Carolina, New York, Utah, and Arizona, with 141 confirmed cases documented. E. coli EHEC infections continue to spread in multiple states, with cases in Washington, Idaho, and other regions linked to various food sources including chicken and unpasteurized milk. Pertussis outbreaks are increasing in Arkansas and Kentucky, with Kentucky reporting the third infant death from the disease. Influenza activity is rising, with H3N2 strains dominating in several regions. There are also reports of botulism cases related to self-injection of cosmetic products in New York, Texas, and Wisconsin that require immediate medical attention.

Additionally, campylobacteriosis has been linked to chicken liver pate consumed at a workplace cafeteria in Washington, and shigellosis clusters have been identified in Maine. Vibriosis cases are increasing in South Carolina. The mpox virus continues to circulate, with new cases confirmed in Kenya, and health authorities remain vigilant for potential spread. These outbreaks underscore the importance of food safety practices, vaccination maintenance, and prompt medical attention for symptoms including weakness, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and facial paralysis that may indicate botulism.

Thank you for tuning in to this public health update. Please subscribe for the latest health information and alerts. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease.ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Public health officials are closely monitoring several key alerts for listeners in the United States as of November 25, 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, continues to advise vigilance surrounding a multi-state outbreak of measles, with confirmed cases in Utah, South Carolina, Arizona, and Minnesota. Listeners are reminded that measles is extremely contagious. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend ensuring all eligible individuals, especially children, receive the measles, mumps, and rubella or MMR vaccine as scheduled. Reports from ProMED Mail highlight the ongoing nature of these outbreaks, with more cases expected in under-vaccinated populations.

There is also extra attention on infant botulism linked to ByHeart infant formula. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and California Department of Public Health are investigating several cases involving infants who consumed ByHeart formula. While a definitive link has not been established, parents and caregivers are urged to immediately stop using any ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, regardless of lot number or size. For specific guidance and safe alternatives, consult your child’s health care provider or visit the FDA’s website for recall updates.

There is significant debate and public concern over recent changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website that suggest a possible link between vaccines and autism. According to KFF Health News and reports from MedPage Today, this revised language contradicts decades of scientific evidence. The American Medical Association and many other leading medical groups warn this shift could undermine public confidence in vaccination, placing children at risk during ongoing outbreaks of measles and other preventable diseases. The CDC and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have faced criticism for spreading what major advocates and public health professionals call misinformation.

Washington state recently reported the nation’s first human infection and death from the H5N5 avian influenza strain, previously only found in animals. According to The Washington Post and state health officials, the affected individual was an older adult with pre-existing conditions, and there is no evidence of wider risk to the public at this time, but listeners should heed updates from their state or local health department, especially if in high-risk groups or exposed to poultry.

Listeners should also take note of a food safety recall involving Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano cheese sold by Supreme Deli LLC due to possible contamination risks. If you have purchased this cheese recently, stop consuming it and return it to the place of purchase. The FDA’s recall page has the most up-to-date information.

Respiratory illnesses remain a concern as flu vaccination rates are lower than usual. Several state departments of health, including Wisconsin’s, are tracking rising activity of respiratory viruses. If you have not received your flu shot, it is strongly recommended, especially for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

There is growing attention on a liver condition known as metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD, now recognized as one of the most common liver diseases in the United States. Many people may be affected without symptoms. Listeners should be aware of this risk, particularly if they have diabetes, obesity, or other metabolic conditions.

Finally, a reminder to stay tuned for advisories on foodborne illness, chronic wasting disease risks, and other emerging health issues. Public health experts emphasize vigilance, staying informed on local advisories, and practicing good hygiene, including frequent hand washing and food safety protocols at home.

Thank you for tuning in and remember to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for...