Flu season is already has entered the rights. People, who afraid to get flu, while coronavirus infection is still going, may bring out dishonest sellers hawking fraudulent products to unsuspecting consumers, who are already concerned about protecting themselves from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other infectious diseases.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that some of these sellers offer unproven products that claim to prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure the flu even though they have not been evaluated or approved for safety and effectiveness. These products might be dangerous to you and your family. All of these products can be found online, including popular marketplaces, and in retail stores. They may be labeled as dietary supplements, foods, hand sanitizers, nasal sprays, or devices.
A Flu Vaccine Is the Best Prevention
Flu is a serious disease, caused by influenza viruses, that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent this infectious disease and its serious complications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend “All people, ages 6 months and older, get vaccinated against influenza – particularly those at an increased risk for serious complications, including young children, adults 65 years and older, and those with chronic medical conditions.”
- If you get the flu, antiviral medications can make your illness milder and may make you feel better faster. Antiviral medications work best when started within the first two days of getting sick.
- If you are exposed to the flu, antiviral medication can help prevent you from becoming sick. Talk to your health care provider if you have been or may be near a person with the flu.
Types of Fraudulent Flu and Antiviral Products
There are no legally marketed over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs to prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure the flu. But there are legal over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to reduce fever and to relieve muscle aches, congestion, and other symptoms typically associated with the flu.
“Dietary supplements, conventional foods (such as herbal teas), or devices (such as certain air filters and light therapies) that fraudulently claim to prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the flu haven’t been evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. The ingredients in them could lead to unexpected side effects and interactions with other medications people may be taking,” – the FDA warns.
FDA recommends:
- Reduce the severity and length of flu or other viral infections.
- Boost your immunity naturally without a flu vaccine.
- Act as a safe and effective alternative to the flu vaccine.
- Prevent catching the flu or viral infections.
- Be an effective treatment for flu or viral infections.
- Provide faster recovery from the flu or viral infections.
- Support your body’s natural immune defenses to fight off flu or other viruses.
“Websites appearing to be online pharmacies selling prescription drugs present an opportunity for fraudsters to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Legitimate online pharmacies do exist. But so do many websites that look like safe online pharmacies but are actually fraudulent and engaging in illegal activity. These websites may be selling unapproved drugs,” – said in the article.
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