Beware of H1N1 Flu Fraud

With so much attention focused on the H1N1 flu virus, it’s important to be as knowledgeable as possible. Here’s what you need to know:

Immunizations are available. Get details from your doctor. If you do get flu-like symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with other people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most people who have become ill with this virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment. For a list of symptoms and emergency warning signs, go to www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm.

Beware of products that claim to diagnose, prevent or otherwise act against the virus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions consumers to buy only FDA-approved products from licensed pharmacies. (The only two antiviral drugs approved for treatment to date are Tamiflu and Relenza.) For a list of unapproved products (from hand sanitizers to herbal extracts) and websites that have received a warning letter from the FDA, go to www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/h1n1flu/.