
Osterholm Update
A weekly report on the COVID-19 pandemic from infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr. Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and has spent a career investigating outbreaks. Since 2005, he has emphasized supply chain and other vulnerabilities and a critical need for pandemic preparedness. In this podcast, Dr. Osterholm dissects the latest COVID-19 news, data, and guidance.
CIDRAP’s Chris Dall, MA, is the cohost of the Osterholm Update and a reporter for CIDRAP News. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu
Latest episodes

Feb 20, 2025 • 0sec
Episode 177: We Cannot Give Up or Give In
<p>In "We Cannot Give Up or Give In" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the confirmation of RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary, recent layoffs at the CDC and NIH, and a new vaccine policy being adopted in Louisiana. They also discuss seasonal and H5N1 influenza activity and a measles outbreak in Texas.</p>
<p>Follow us on <a href="https://bsky.app/"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a>: Dr. Michael Osterholm (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mtosterholm.bsky.social"><strong>@mtosterholm.bsky.social</strong></a>) and CIDRAP (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/cidrap.bsky.social"><strong>cidrap.bsky.social</strong></a>)</p>
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Feb 6, 2025 • 0sec
Episode 176: Responding to Shock, Awe, and Censorship
Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall unpack critical updates on U.S. public health influenced by political shifts, spotlighting the impact on global initiatives like PEPFAR. They discuss an unusual surge in flu cases, particularly among the young, alongside the rise of COVID-19 cases amongst older populations. The alarming spread of H5N1 avian flu is examined, plus a significant tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas. Amidst these challenges, they emphasize the urgency for enhanced public health measures and the power of resilience in adversity.

Jan 23, 2025 • 0sec
Episode 175: Drinking From a Fire Hose: Are We Drowning?
<p>In "Drinking From a Fire Hose: Are We Drowning?" Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss recent actions taken by the Trump administration, most notably the decision to leave the World Health Organization. Dr. Osterholm also shares his thoughts on the developing H5N1 crisis and provides an update on respiratory virus transmission in the U.S. and around the world. </p>
<p>Follow us on <a href="https://bsky.app/"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a>: Dr. Michael Osterholm (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mtosterholm.bsky.social"><strong>@mtosterholm.bsky.social</strong></a>) and CIDRAP (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/cidrap.bsky.social"><strong>cidrap.bsky.social</strong></a>)</p>
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Jan 9, 2025 • 0sec
Episode 174: The H5N1 Pandemic Cliff: Are We at the Edge?
The hosts dive into the ongoing challenges posed by H5N1 influenza and respiratory illness surges in the U.S. They discuss recent updates on COVID-19, the implications of H5N1 for wild birds and cats, and the significance of chronic wasting disease. A heartfelt tribute to the late Jimmy Carter spotlights his humanitarian legacy. The conversation highlights the importance of public health preparedness in light of emerging variants and the evolving landscape of health leadership.

Dec 19, 2024 • 0sec
Episode 173: What Is Safe and Effective?
<p>In "What Is Safe and Effective?," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall cover the evolving situation with H5N1 influenza, discuss the mystery outbreak in the DRC, and review the latest trends in COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Dr. Osterholm also answers a listener question on the phrase "safe and effective" regarding vaccines. And finally, the annual reading of the Polar Express from Dr. Osterholm to his grandchildren.</p>
<p><a href="https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.94.6.947">Enhancing Public Confidence in Vaccines Through Independent Oversight of Postlicensure Vaccine Safety</a> (Salmon, Moulton, Halsey; <em>AJPH</em>)</p>
<p>Consider <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/support">supporting this podcast</a> and the work of CIDRAP in your end-of-year giving.</p>
<p>Follow us on <a href="https://bsky.app/"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a>: Dr. Michael Osterholm (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mtosterholm.bsky.social"><strong>@mtosterholm.bsky.social</strong></a>) and CIDRAP (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/cidrap.bsky.social"><strong>cidrap.bsky.social</strong></a>)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a> </p>

Dec 5, 2024 • 0sec
Episode 172: A Tunnel of Uncertainty
<p>In "A Tunnel of Uncertainty," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss several of Trump's recent HHS nominations, the latest respiratory virus data, and two recent studies on long COVID. Dr. Osterholm also provides an update on the unfolding H5N1 situation and shares another "This Week in Public Health History" segment. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(24)00293-7/fulltext">The effect of pre-COVID and post-COVID vaccination on long COVID: a systematic review and meta-analysis</a> (Chow et al., <em>Journal of Infection</em>)</p>
<p><a href="https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiae556/7896333">Association of messenger RNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and reductions in post COVID conditions following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in a US prospective cohort of essential workers</a> (Mak et al., <em>Journal of Infectious Diseases</em>)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/mto-wickedphotos">Photos</a> of Dr. Osterholm in Wicked</p>
<p>Follow us on <a href="https://bsky.app/"><strong>Bluesky</strong></a>: Dr. Michael Osterholm (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mtosterholm.bsky.social"><strong>@mtosterholm.bsky.social</strong></a>) and CIDRAP (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/cidrap.bsky.social"><strong>cidrap.bsky.social</strong></a>)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a> </p>
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Nov 21, 2024 • 0sec
Episode 171: Serious Challenges Ahead: RFK Jr and a New HHS
<p>In "Serious Challenges Ahead: RFK Jr and a New HHS," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the recent nomination of RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. They also discuss the latest COVID data, a global increase in measles cases, and a decline in STI incidence in the United States. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/antimicrobial-stewardship/superbugs-you">CIDRAP Superbugs & You Podcast</a></p>
<p>Follow us on <a href="https://bsky.app/">Bluesky</a>: Dr. Michael Osterholm (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mtosterholm.bsky.social">@mtosterholm.bsky.social</a>) and CIDRAP (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/cidrap.bsky.social">cidrap.bsky.social</a>)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a> </p>
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Nov 14, 2024 • 0sec
Episode 170: What Happens Now? Public Health in Uncertain Times
<p>In "What Now? Public Health in Uncertain TImes", Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall revisit their discussion on the consequences of the US presidential election on public health. Dr. Osterholm also provides the latest update on COVID-19 and other respiratory virus trends, comments on H5N1 detection in pigs, and answers an ID query on pertussis.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/vaccines/index.html">CDC Pertussis Vaccine Guidelines</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/antimicrobial-stewardship/superbugs-you">CIDRAP Superbugs & You Podcast</a></p>
<p>Follow us on <a href="https://bsky.app/">Bluesky</a>: Dr. Michael Osterholm (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mtosterholm.bsky.social">@mtosterholm.bsky.social</a>) and CIDRAP (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/cidrap.bsky.social">cidrap.bsky.social</a>)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a> </p>
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Oct 31, 2024 • 0sec
Episode 169: The Most Important Episode I'll Ever Record
<p>In "The Most Important Episode I'll Ever Record," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest respiratory virus trends, two human cases of H5N1 in Missouri, and an E. coli outbreak linked to a fast food product. For the first time in his career, Dr. Osterholm also shares comments about the upcoming elections in the United States.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a> </p>
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Oct 17, 2024 • 0sec
Episode 168: Better Times
<p>In "Better Times," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the latest COVID, H5N1, and seasonal influenza data. Dr. Osterholm also answers an ID query on the ideal timing for COVID-19 booster doses and an ID query about Marburg virus transmission.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/brain-imaging-reveals-changes-linked-long-covid">Brain imaging reveals changes linked to long COVID</a> (Stephanie Soucheray, <em>CIDRAP News</em>)</p>
<p><a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00137-15">Transmission of Ebola viruses: what we know and what we do not know</a> (Michael Osterholm et al., <em>mBio</em>)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/osterholm-update-covid-19"><strong>MORE EPISODES</strong></a> </p>
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