Friday, February 1, 2013

FDA Warning about Phony Flu Products

Is there anything that people will not try to use in order to make money by tricking other people?  The FDA released a warning this week about fraudulent flu products

Among the products that concern the Food and Drug Administration are drugs, nasal sprays, dietary supplements, devices such as special lights, and ordinary foods that people claim will cure the flu.  The problem with scammers promoting these products is that some people may become seriously ill, or even die, while using products that will not help at all.  Meanwhile, the patients postpone going to the doctor because they believe they are treating their illness themselves.  These unproven treatments give flu sufferers a false sense of security.

The products that are of concern are those that claim to either prevent, treat or cure the flu, although there is no evidence that they have been tested, and the FDA has not approved them for this purpose.

The products are often advertised online, but they may also be found in stores, sometimes labeled as "alternatives" to the flu vaccine.  Often these products are found in online pharmacies and are shipped from overseas.

Instead of trying these unproven products, most people are far better off getting the flu vaccine which will usually either prevent the flu or lessen the symptoms.  If you become seriously ill, contact your doctor or a walk-in clinic as soon as possible, especially if you become dehydrated or develop a high fever.  If you or a loved one becomes seriously ill, go to the emergency room.

To learn more about the FDA warnings, and to sign up to receive warnings yourself, you can check out this Food and Drug Administration article at: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm337453.htm?source=govdelivery

You are reading from the blog:  http://lies-and-liars.blogspot.com

Photo of pill bottle courtesy of morguefile.com

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