Fevered Mind

Health

The New Denial of Germ Theory Threatens Public Health

Jay K. Varma M.D. on May 20, 2025

A rising movement questions whether microbes cause disease. Here's why denying germ theory is dangerous, and what it means for science, health policy, and public trust.

A rising movement questions whether microbes cause disease. Here's why denying germ theory is dangerous, and what it means for science, health policy, and public trust.

Dementia

One Reason I Got the Shingles Vaccine—And Why You Should, Too

Jay K. Varma M.D. on May 12, 2025

Shingles is painful, but did you know the vaccine may also help prevent dementia? Learn why I got vaccinated and why it might be a smart choice for you, too.

Shingles is painful, but did you know the vaccine may also help prevent dementia? Learn why I got vaccinated and why it might be a smart choice for you, too.

Cognition

Clean Indoor Air Improves Health—What You Need to Know

Jay K. Varma M.D. on May 6, 2025

We spend nearly all our time indoors, but rarely think about what is in the air we breathe. Clean air protects us from infections and allergies, and also improves brain function.

We spend nearly all our time indoors, but rarely think about what is in the air we breathe. Clean air protects us from infections and allergies, and also improves brain function.

Anxiety

Mystery Virus in the News? Ask These Four Key Questions

Jay K. Varma M.D. on April 29, 2025

News about an outbreak or mystery virus can trigger fear. Use four questions to assess whether the reports are something to worry about.

News about an outbreak or mystery virus can trigger fear. Use four questions to assess whether the reports are something to worry about.

Disaster Psychology

Why Are So Many Disease Outbreaks Happening Right Now?

Jay K. Varma M.D. on April 22, 2025

Outbreaks of bird flu and other viruses are rising fast. Here’s why it’s happening—and how you can stay informed, protected, and prepared.

Outbreaks of bird flu and other viruses are rising fast. Here’s why it’s happening—and how you can stay informed, protected, and prepared.

Health

STI Outbreak in Alaska

Jay K. Varma M.D. on April 15, 2025

Alaska is seeing a dangerous gonorrhea outbreak, while the CDC's STD lab and field staff have been cut. What happens to sexual health when states lose their first line of defense?

Alaska is seeing a dangerous gonorrhea outbreak, while the CDC's STD lab and field staff have been cut. What happens to sexual health when states lose their first line of defense?

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Who Decides What Was “Too Much” in the COVID-19 Response?

Jay K. Varma M.D. on April 8, 2025

Who’s missing from the COVID-19 debate? More than a million dead, and millions more with lasting damage. Survivor bias may distort how we judge past policies—and how we plan for the next crisis.

Who’s missing from the COVID-19 debate? More than a million dead, and millions more with lasting damage. Survivor bias may distort how we judge past policies—and how we plan for the next crisis.

Parenting

Should Babies Get the Measles Vaccine Before Age 1?

Jay K. Varma M.D. on April 1, 2025

Measles is spreading fast across the U.S., putting infants at risk. Should babies get vaccinated before age 1? Here's what parents need to know about early MMR shots.

Measles is spreading fast across the U.S., putting infants at risk. Should babies get vaccinated before age 1? Here's what parents need to know about early MMR shots.

Brain Fog

Why NIH Must Not Abandon Brain Fog Research

Jay K. Varma M.D. on March 25, 2025

Brain fog from long COVID affects millions, yet funding for research is uncertain. Understanding its causes and treatments is vital—here’s why continued NIH support is essential.

Brain fog from long COVID affects millions, yet funding for research is uncertain. Understanding its causes and treatments is vital—here’s why continued NIH support is essential.

Sex

Bacterial Vaginosis: A New Understanding of Transmission

Jay K. Varma M.D. on March 19, 2025

That fishy smell? It’s bacterial vaginosis. A new study shows it’s an STI, and male partners should be treated to stop the cycle of reinfection. Here's why that matters.

That fishy smell? It’s bacterial vaginosis. A new study shows it’s an STI, and male partners should be treated to stop the cycle of reinfection. Here's why that matters.

Dementia

A Surprising Infectious Disease Link to Gene Hackman’s Death

Jay K. Varma M.D. on March 9, 2025

Gene Hackman’s wife died of hantavirus, but could his own death be linked to infection? New research suggests infections may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

Gene Hackman’s wife died of hantavirus, but could his own death be linked to infection? New research suggests infections may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

Health

Does Measles Cause Brain Damage? Yes, Here’s How It Happens

Jay K. Varma M.D. on March 5, 2025

Measles is back in the U.S., and it can cause brain damage, blindness, deafness, and meningitis.

Measles is back in the U.S., and it can cause brain damage, blindness, deafness, and meningitis.