Many people look to the CDC as a reliable source of information on infectious diseases. With the latest pandemic, the CDC has made many recommendations about ways to prevent infection and to reduce the spread. But those recommendations have changed drastically over time. It’s understandable that there will be changes as they learn more about the virus. However, some of the changes made are leading to questions by many. The going back and forth on information is causing some people to wonder if you can trust the CDC about COVID-19.
Disagreements with scientists
Science is ever-changing as new information comes to light. This is especially true when it comes to viruses like COVID-19. As top virologists continue to study the virus, they are learning how it transfers to provide more information to help reduce the spread. But the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, commonly called the CDC, doesn’t necessarily agree with the latest research. So who do you trust? Now we don’t only have to worry about issues with COVID-19 testing, we have to be concerned with inconsistencies in the information on how the virus spreads. The transfer method of the virus has been the cause of misleading information for months. The CDC recognized that the virus is in fact airborne, as many scientists believed. But, 3 days later the CDC published a new report that said the previous report was released in error. It seems that the CDC simply can’t stay consistent.
Who can you rely on for straight answers?
As citizens, we can’t be expected to understand exactly how this virus works or transfers from one person to the next. But we should expect and demand straightforward information. Some scientists may have a reason to release biased reports. But the CDC, as a nationally recognized organization, should be able to be relied upon in a time of need. Could the conflicting information be an attempt at covering up pertinent details that someone doesn’t want to be released to the general public? It’s certainly possible. But, it’s more likely that the pressure of figuring out this virus is causing officials to come to unfounded conclusions or to release information before it’s been proven. If you want straight answers, do your own research. Don’t trust any one source for information.
A health crisis like COVID-19 leads to many questions on how to keep the public safe. This is a time when we should be able to trust the CDC. Instead, they are sending out mixed signals with information and recommendations that change frequently. This pandemic is not something that we’ve seen before so it’s understandable that the CDC will update information as it becomes more available. What’s not understandable is the fact that leading scientists and the CDC are giving out completely opposite information. If you want the truth about COVID-19, do your research. Use a lot of different sources and critical thinking to make the best choices to keep yourself and your family safe.
