Navigating the digital landscape of health information can sometimes lead to unexpected detours. Users of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website may occasionally encounter messages indicating that a requested page has moved. These redirects are a standard practice for maintaining an organized and up-to-date online presence, but understanding why they happen and where you’re being directed is crucial for accessing reliable health information.
Why Pages Move on the CDC Website
The CDC regularly updates its website to reflect the latest scientific findings, public health recommendations, and organizational changes. Several scenarios can trigger a page redirection:
- Site Restructuring: As the CDC’s priorities evolve, the website’s structure is adjusted to improve navigation and accessibility. This often involves consolidating information, creating new sections, or renaming existing ones.
- Content Updates: When a page is significantly revised or replaced with newer information, a redirect ensures that users who have bookmarked the old URL are automatically taken to the updated content.
- Website Migration: Moving a website to a new domain or server necessitates redirects to maintain continuity and prevent broken links.
- Archiving: Older content that is no longer actively maintained may be moved to an archive section, such as archive.cdc.gov, to preserve its historical value while keeping the main website focused on current information.
Understanding Redirect Types
Redirects aren’t simply a matter of sending users to a new address; they also communicate information to search engines like Google. As explained in documentation from Google Developers, redirects tell search engines that a page has a new location. There are two primary types of redirects:
- Permanent Redirects (301): These indicate that a page has moved permanently. Search engines will update their indexes to reflect the new URL, and the original URL will eventually be removed from search results.
- Temporary Redirects (302): These signal that a page has moved temporarily. Search engines will continue to index the original URL, and the redirect is only intended to be in place for a limited time.
The type of redirect used by the CDC influences how search engines treat the information and how quickly users find the updated content. Server-side redirects are most reliably interpreted by Google.
What Happens When You Encounter a Redirect Message?
The CDC employs several methods to handle page redirects. Users may encounter one of the following messages:
- Automatic Redirection: In many cases, the redirect happens automatically within 10 seconds.
- Clickable Link: The message will often include a link that allows users to bypass the delay and go directly to the new location.
- Multiple Matches: If several pages could be relevant, the CDC may present a list of options for the user to choose from.
The CDC also advises users to update any bookmarks they may have saved for the old page to ensure they can access the information directly in the future.
Current Respiratory Virus Activity – Update
As of , the CDC reports that acute respiratory illness activity is currently at moderate levels. Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated nationally, with influenza A decreasing and influenza B increasing. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity is also elevated in many areas, particularly among infants and young children, leading to higher hospitalization rates in this age group. COVID-19 activity is elevated in some regions.
The CDC anticipates that the 2025-2026 respiratory disease season will likely have a similar peak hospitalization rate for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV compared to the previous season. The agency emphasizes the importance of taking preventative measures, such as staying informed, practicing good hygiene, and considering wearing a mask when experiencing symptoms.
Staying Informed and Accessing Reliable Information
The CDC website is a primary source of information on a wide range of public health topics. When navigating the site, it’s important to be aware that pages may occasionally move due to ongoing updates and improvements. By understanding the reasons behind redirects and knowing what to expect when encountering a redirection message, users can ensure they continue to access the most current and accurate health information available. For the latest data on COVID-19, flu, and RSV, visit the CDC’s Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel.
Redirects are a normal part of maintaining a dynamic and informative website. The CDC’s commitment to providing up-to-date information means that its online resources will continue to evolve, and redirects are a key mechanism for ensuring that users always find the information they need.
