H1N1 hoax and scams

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Story Published: Nov 2, 2009 at 6:24 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 2, 2009 at 6:24 PM MST

By Hasti Taghi

IDAHO FALLS - "I'm kind of confused about the whole thing," says concerned mom.

Confusion surrounding the H1N1 virus is inspiring some companies to prey on the vulnerable.

"I've heard a lot of talk about H1N1 and supposed scams and hoaxes but I'm not sure what's true and what isn't."

And that's how people are profiting from your sickness.

"What manufacturers are hoping for is that you'll spend money when you're very sick of afraid of becoming very sick and you'll hope for some sort of miracle," says Dr. Richard Nathan.

But Doctor Nathan says there is no miracle cure for this illness. The supposed on line medications are worthless.

"They're worthless but are they harmful?" asks Hasti Taghi.
"it depends. If someone is getting very sick and they're hoping that some kind of on line medicine will help them, it might prevent them from seeing a doctor and could delay treatment. So it is potentially harmful," says Nathan.

But scams aren't the only thing doctors are concerned with. Misinformation about H1N1 is spreading almost as fast as the virus itself. An on line search for the vaccine and micro-chip brings up 118-thousand hits.

"There's some strange things out there. Things like chips being implanted in vaccine supply. Crazy stuff like that," says Dr. Nathan. "It's absolutely ridiculous."

Education yourself can be as easy as checking the Federal Drug Administration website. Just go to:

www.fda.gov

click on H1N1 fraudulent products

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