Updated CDC respiratory virus guidelines cause controversy online

The negative response to the new guidance reveals a lack of confidence in public health entities. Debunking messaging may explain that the CDC never claimed that COVID-19 is the same as the flu. In fact, a CDC representative stated, “Let’s be clear. Covid-19 is not the flu. It still causes more serious illness and leads to more lasting effects.” Moreover, the CDC recommends vaccines for all three respiratory viruses for those who are eligible. 

Messaging may also emphasize that the world has evolved dramatically in the four years since COVID-19’s discovery. While the contagiousness of COVID-19 has not changed, public health guidelines have had to evolve over time, so the CDC has issued general respiratory virus isolation recommendations that apply to people who are sick with COVID-19 and as well as people who are sick with other respiratory illnesses. The virus has also undergone countless mutations, and most of the population has gained some level of immunity from vaccines, infection, or both. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines remains essential in preventing severe illness, death, hospitalization, and long COVID.

Fact Checking Source(s):  CDC