Virology
Why We Vaccinate Newborns Against Hepatitis B
By Gertrud U. Rey | | Basic virology, Commentary, Events, Gertrud Rey, Information
by Gertrud U. Rey On December 16, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adopted new recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that end universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth. Under this policy, parents may defer vaccination if the mother tests negative for hepatitis B virus (HBV). This decision disregards …
A Viral Risk Factor for Lupus
By Gertrud U. Rey | | Basic virology, Commentary, Gertrud Rey, Information
by Gertrud U. Rey Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus that typically spreads through saliva and is known for causing infectious mononucleosis (i.e., “mono”). There is an established causal link between infection with EBV and the development of multiple sclerosis. Emerging evidence now suggests that EBV may also play a significant role in …
Vaccine Modalities – Part 2
By Gertrud U. Rey | | Basic virology, Commentary, Gertrud Rey, Information
by Gertrud U. Rey Last month’s post provided an overview of various traditional vaccine technologies. The current post highlights more recent advances in the field. Genetic vaccines introduce nucleic acids (DNA and/or RNA) into a recipient’s cells. Once inside the cells, these genetic instructions are used by the cell’s machinery to produce a specific protein. …
Vaccine Modalities – Part 1
By Gertrud U. Rey | | Commentary, Gertrud Rey, Information
by Gertrud U. Rey During the last 50 years, vaccination efforts have prevented about 154 million deaths worldwide, with the measles vaccine alone responsible for a large portion of this achievement. Childhood vaccinations in particular have not only led to a 40% reduction in global infant deaths throughout the same time period, but they are …
A Universal Antiviral Drug
By Gertrud U. Rey | | Basic virology, Commentary, Gertrud Rey, Information
by Gertrud U. Rey There is currently no vaccine that is effective against all viruses and it is unlikely that one will ever exist. But what about a universal antiviral drug? A recent study out of Columbia University suggests that it might be possible to develop effective broad-spectrum antivirals against known, emerging, and unknown viruses. …
The Deadliest Virus
By Gertrud U. Rey | | Basic virology, Commentary, Gertrud Rey, Information
by Gertrud U. Rey Rabies virus infection in mammals is nearly 100% fatal if left untreated. The signs and symptoms that precede death – agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, hydrophobia, excessive salivation, and biting – have inspired countless fictional characters and narratives. The recent death of a British woman who was scratched by a rabid stray puppy …
David Tuller
Trial By Error: My Unexpected E-Mail Exchange with Alem Matthees
By David Tuller, DrPH In recent months, one of the most high-profile people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)—Australian Alem Matthees—has reported significant improvement in his condition. He is still bed-bound, and is still not speaking. This is not, by any means, “recovery.” Nonetheless, the change in Alem’s ability to read, consume information and communicate …
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Trial By Error: Journal Publishes Confusing Section on “Enduring Symptoms”
By David Tuller, DrPH As part of its December issue, Future Healthcare Journal, sponsored by the UK’s Royal College of Physicians, has published a special section called “Challenging Myths: Debunking Functional Disorders.” The special section title itself creates confusion. In what way are functional disorders being “debunked”? I assume the idea is to debunk the …
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Trial By Error: More on the Canadian Long COVID Trial with Plans to Lie to Participants Receiving an Exercise Intervention
By David Tuller, DrPH I recently posted a blog about the protocol for a Canadian Long COVID exercise trial in which the investigators proposed lying to the participants about the nature of both the study and the intervention being assessed. While acknowledging that a significant number of people with Long COVID report experiencing post-exertional malaise …
Trial By Error: In Protocol for Long COVID Exercise Trial, Investigators Advocate Lying to Participants
By David Tuller, DrPH Researchers are planning yet another trial of a rehabilitative exercise program for Long COVID—but, in this one, they propose to lie to all the participants about the nature of the study and the intervention being investigated. BMJ Open has recently published a paper called “Pursuing Reduction in Fatigue After COVID-19 via …
Trial By Error: Some Things I’ve Read Recently: Anil van der Zee on Sex, “Mold Warrior” Johnson, and a Rant Against the Word “Journey”
By David Tuller, DrPH Anil van der Zee says “Fuck M.E.” One aspect of ME and ME/CFS that receives perhaps too little attention is the impact on someone’s sex life. Engaging in sexual activity takes a significant amount of energy—and is therefore likely to trigger post-exertional malaise for many with this illness. Especially for those …
Trial By Error: Some Things I’ve Read Recently–Aboriginals and Long COVID, Tips for Disability Claims, Profile of Ron Davis
By David Tuller, DrPH Failure to address Long COVID in Australian Aboriginal communities Croakey Health Media is a small but feisty Australian news outlet that covers social and structural inequities in healthcare. Croakey recently published “a call for action to address Long COVID in Aboriginal communities,” which focused in particular on the situation in the …
