Health officials face serious task

Re: “Medical advice flip-flops around long before COVID” (Josh Freed, July 17)

I seek out Josh Freed's column with anticipation because of the humour and satire he uses to insightfully reflect the pulse of Montreal, Montrealers and the world around us. He did not fail in his description of the changing advice that one receives about managing medical conditions.

This is serious stuff — most of us want the most accurate information. The challenge lies with researchers, health professionals and public health officials to try to provide it.

Freed's use of the term “flip-flop” might have been made somewhat “tongue in cheek,” consistent with the spirit of the column. It might nonetheless be seen as disrespectful to those who struggle to rapidly produce new information and have its meaning properly interpreted and applied.

Mark J. Yaffe, Côte-st-luc