Interested in AI for health information? Here’s how to use it responsibly
When used with care, AI can be a useful tool for answering health-related questions.
Public health fact checks
Online posts share stories of potential mental health effects of weight loss drugs
Two news articles sparked an online debate about the potential mental health effects of GLP-1 weight loss medications.
Concern grows over expanding tick populations, alpha-gal, and a Lyme disease vaccine
Online conversations about tick-borne illnesses surged after HHS announced plans to address expanding tick populations.
Lawmaker promotes false COVID-19 vaccine safety claims, contradicting FDA data
A U.S. senator’s May 11 letter revealed that a December FDA analysis found no children’s deaths were definitively linked to COVID-19 vaccines.
Reactions to global viral outbreaks highlight post-pandemic “fatigue”
In recent weeks, several deadly viruses have made headlines and sparked debate online.
EPA rollback of drinking water restrictions on forever chemicals draws criticism
On May 18, the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to “rescind and restart” restrictions on PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in drinking water.
Hantavirus cruise outbreak sets off wave of online conspiracy theories
In early April, several passengers on a cruise ship became sick with hantavirus, which can cause severe illness and death.
Online posts express post-pandemic “fatigue” over reports of viral outbreaks
On May 17, the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring Uganda due to an active Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 130 people.
FDA faces criticism online for blocking studies showing vaccine effectiveness
This week, the federal government's stance on multiple routine vaccines was the topic of online discourse.
Experts and online posts express concern over the health secretary’s SSRI comments
At a May MAHA summit, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. outlined plans to “curb psychiatric overprescribing” by discouraging insurance coverage of antidepressants and encouraging patients to discontinue certain psychiatric medications, particularly SSRIs.
Federal harm reduction cuts loom amid calls for a ban on opioid-like substances
On April 24, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced in a letter to health departments that the federal government will no longer fund several services shown to reduce overdoses and other harms associated with drug use.
Singer’s shingles diagnosis sparks discussion about severity and vaccine effectiveness
In an April 28 social media post, a British singer in his 30s shared that he is recovering from shingles, prompting discussion about the disease and the vaccine to prevent it.
Posts discuss the benefits of male HPV vaccination
An April 24 news article highlighted the benefits of HPV vaccination for boys and men, sparking debate about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.
Posts falsely suggest breastmilk protects babies against measles as well as vaccine
Debates about childhood vaccines persisted online as disease outbreaks surge...
Concern about the climate and health impacts of AI data centers grows online
Debates about artificial intelligence data centers and their potential effects on local communities have been trending online in recent weeks.
Health Secretary continues to fuel measles myths amid ongoing outbreaks
During an April 17 congressional hearing, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that the U.S. has contained measles outbreaks better than other countries.
Explainers & Fact checks
Nicotine pouches: What to know about the risks
Some experts say nicotine pouches may help reduce cigarette use. Others warn they are highly addictive and harmful to young people.
Ultra-processed foods: What you need to know
Ultra-processed foods are drawing new attention from federal regulators and state lawmakers, but researchers are still learning about their health impact.
Kratom: What to know about the loosely regulated herbal drug
A plant-derived chemical more potent than morphine is regulated by a patchwork of state laws.
The impact of polio vaccines in 4 charts
Seventy years after the first polio vaccine, wild polio has been eliminated in all but two countries.
What would it mean for the U.S. to lose measles elimination status?
The best tool to prevent a measles comeback—the MMR vaccine—is readily available.
Social media is full of mental health myths
Some people turn to social media for mental health support. The results can be dangerous.
Don't get duped: A guide to spotting fake studies
Here’s how to spot the red flags of questionable research.
How the HHS impacts your community’s health
HHS is responsible for programs that impact every community in the country. But most Americans aren’t aware of the department’s scope.
Here's the latest you need to know about bird flu
Health officials continue to monitor the spread of the bird flu virus. The risk to the public remains low.
Debunking the vitamin D fad
Vitamin D supplements are important for people without enough of the nutrient. Other health claims are less certain.
Vaccines are our best weapon in the fight against polio
In honor of World Polio Day 2024, here are a few reasons why vaccines are indispensable to making polio a disease of the past.
Debunking anti-abortion myths
More than two years after the fall of Roe, dangerous anti-abortion myths continue to spread. Here are the facts.
Yes, we still need chickenpox vaccines
Vaccination spares children and adults from the misery of chickenpox and the serious short- and long-term risks associated with the disease.
We need to talk about birth control
Many people have legitimate concerns about hormonal birth control. Some are taking advantage of those fears.
How anti-vaxxers abuse data to trick you
Cherry-picking, misrepresenting, and misappropriating data are just a few ways to spin falsehoods.
Vaccines and cancer: The myth that won’t die
Over three years of research have found no link between COVID-19 vaccines and cancer.
‘Disease X’: What it is (and isn’t)
Understanding Disease X could be the key to fighting the next pandemic.
Most of what you know about myocarditis is wrong
Separating fact from fiction about heart inflammation.
Don’t let these myths stop you from getting your flu shot
The vaccine can keep you from getting infected or severely ill.
Dispelling myths about mRNA vaccines
The history of mRNA vaccines spans decades. In the last three years, the groundbreaking technology has faced an onslaught of misinformation.
How the wellness movement became an anti-vax stronghold
The industry is a potent entry point to COVID-19 vaccine opposition