But speculation in the absence of data can be deadly. Decisions cannot be made or influenced by those who use hyperbole or promote false hope. External pressures and misstatements from private individuals (e.g. “antivaxxers”), members of the media, or government officials who do not clearly understand the complexities of and timelines for drug and vaccine development can only cause the misallocation of resources, create false hope and inappropriate actions, and harm those in true need of help.7
