Cocooned Health

Ep 25. “No Longer Recommended?” The Politics, Science, And Stakes Of COVID19 Vaccination In Pregnancy In 2025. 
Hosts Dr. Lydia Yarlott & Dr. Eliz Kilich are joined by Professor. Flor M. Muñoz — Associate Professor of Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital.  Her work has focused on the evaluation of vaccine safety and efficacy in special populations including pregnant women, children, and people with compromised immune systems, as well as the epidemiology and treatment of respiratory pathogens including COVID-19 and influenza
In 2025, the U.S. government — under the Trump administration — made a striking policy reversal: COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy pregnant women or children. But what happens when political tides shift faster than science?
In this episode of Cocooned Health, Dr. Lydia Yarlott and Dr. Eliz Kilich sit down with infectious disease expert Dr. Flor Muñoz to explore the real-world evidence behind this decision — and why maternal vaccination may still play a vital role in protecting newborns.
We unpack:
How mRNA vaccine particles and antibodies behave in pregnancy and breastmilk — and what studies reveal about newborn protection.
Why COVID-19 in pregnancy, while rarer now, still poses serious risks for some mothers and infants.
The philosophical and political forces shaping vaccine guidance in the U.S., from public trust to populist skepticism.
How global health programs like Gavi and WHO are responding when America — once a vaccine leader — changes direction.
And, most importantly: While no longer routinely offered, what’s the evidence that COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy may still bring benefits?
Mercury derived thimerosal what is it for, and is it of concern?

Ep 24. Paracetamol in Pregnancy: Panic or Proof? Expert Guest: Professor Dimitri Siassakos
In this episode of Cocooned Health, Dr Eliz Kilich and Dr Lydia Yarlott are joined by Professor Dimitrios Siassakos, a leading researcher in maternal-fetal medicine at UCL, to unpack the controversy surrounding paracetamol (acetaminophen) use in pregnancy.
A new review published in Environmental Health has reignited debate by examining possible associations between paracetamol use and conditions such as autism and ADHD in children. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed paracetamol “is no good” for pregnant persons, sparking widespread concern online.
Together, we explore:
discuss the recent controversies surrounding the use of paracetamol during pregnancy, particularly in light of claims made by political figures. They are joined by Professor Dimitrios Siassakos, who provides insights into the safety of paracetamol, the research surrounding its use, and the potential links to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding causation versus correlation, the risks associated with untreated fever in pregnancy, and the need for moderation in medication use. 
Paracetamol is considered safe for use in pregnancy.
Recent claims about paracetamol causing autism are based on over-interpretations of studies.
Fever in pregnancy poses significant risks that outweigh concerns about paracetamol. Find out what by listening. 
Causation must be proven correctly; correlation does not imply causation.
Genetic factors play a major role in the development of autism and ADHD.
Moderation in medication use is crucial during pregnancy.
The Swedish study provides strong evidence against the link between paracetamol and autism. Learn more by listening 
Healthcare professionals should guide pregnant women on medication use.
Pain management is important; women should not feel guilty for taking medication when needed.
The narrative around paracetamol use in pregnancy needs to be clarified for public understanding+++ NOTE when using the term pregnant women, we also refer to inclusive of transgender who may also be pregnant and non binary individuals. 
Note this is not direct medical advice. We aim to share knowledge but cannot be your direct healthcare professional. 

 
Ep. 23. Pregnancy & Travel in Latin America: Mosquito Risks, Repellent Safety, and Vaccines with Dr. Laila Woc-Colburn
Travel during pregnancy can be both exciting and daunting—especially in Latin America, where mosquito-borne infections and vaccine questions add extra layers of caution. Infectious-diseases specialist Dr. Laila Eugenia Woc-Colburn (Emory University) https://med.emory.edu/directory/profile/?u=LWOCCOL joins Cocooned Health to share the latest science and practical steps for staying safe. From Zika and dengue to repellents, vaccines, and coastal risks, we break down what every pregnant traveller and family should know.
What we cover
Mosquito-borne risks: Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and new findings from Brazil.
Medications: Why there’s no pill for Zika/dengue/chikungunya, why malaria prophylaxis matters in Latin America and pregnancy-safe options. 
Specific areas of risk.
Repellent choices: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus—what the evidence says, and how to use them safely in pregnancy.
DEET safety: Decades of data show standard use is not linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Environmental protection: Clothing, permethrin, screens, and removing standing water.
Yellow Fever and where it is located including now the cities...
Vaccination safety in pregnancy when travelling
NutritionThis episode is for general education only and isn’t medical advice. Risks and recommendations change by location and over time. Always check the latest official guidance and speak with your own clinician before travel or vaccination decisions.

Episode 22: Do all fevers in kids need bringing down? Science, exceptions and the myths of fever in children.
 
It’s one of the most common worries for parents — and one of the most misunderstood. We discuss fever myths and more providing clarity and discussion
In this episode of Cocooned Health, Dr Eliz Kilich & Dr Lydia Yarlott tackle the biggest fever myths in children:❓ Do all fevers need treating?❓ Will fevers keep rising to dangerous levels if left alone?❓ Does getting lots of colds mean a weak immune system?❓ Should you always give paracetamol after vaccines?❓ When should you given paracetamol / ibuprofen to children. What age is it not OK? Can you switch between the two?
As we discuss in the episode: Note children > 1 year can tolerate fevers much more than adults and thus the fever number itself becomes less concerning than other features. In adults the normal fever ranges tends to be 37.8 -39.4 (103°F) whereas in OLDER children (over one year) this is a little higher 38 - 39.8. Note this is not a hard and fast rule and the most important feature tends to be other symptoms.
KEY EXCEPTIONS where the NUMBER MATTERS:1. Children under or 3 months old - any fever needs URGENT same day medical review (>38°C (100.4°F))2. Children under or 6 months old > 39°C degrees3. Fever > 5 days. Should be improving in 2-3 days or with fever medication 4. Seek medical attention in an adult > 39.4. This episode does not specifically describe fevers in adults and is limited to a discussion around fever in children.
We unpack why other symptoms with fever tell you more than just the fever itself. 
💡 We’ll unpack what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what really matters when your child spikes a temperature.
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✨ Don’t miss this myth-busting chat that could save you a lot of late-night worry! Listen Now. And DM us on Instagram any queries and feedback
Remember this is not direct medical advice but we aim to share what we know with you and hope that it enlightens on some topics and feel free to chat about anything we discuss with your own direct healthcare professional