The FDA is pursuing companies selling everything from specific foods to supplements, oils and more, said to treat the coronavirus.
Coronavirus tests are often administered by a registered health professional in a public setting. When testing for active cases of the virus, you are stuck in the nasal cavity with what amounts to a very long Q-tip. This goes up your nose and all the way to the back. Someone then twirls this wand around for a good amount of time, and the swab is sent off to a lab for testing, while you await your results.
Related: What Happens When You Get a Coronavirus Test
Conveniently, there are now tools that allow you to complete this sampling at home. This involves the same procedure. You stick your nose, pack up your swab, and then mail it into a lab to be analyzed. You can only access this kit through your doctor in the US, by the way. The only FDA approved self-administered COVID-19 kit we could find is one made by Everlywell Inc. which entered the market in mid-May.
Unfortunately, with this added new convenience now come some problems. As in any time of crisis, having something on the market the public can buy to help detect a serious health problem means there are now frauds lurking in the wings waiting to cash in. Since the beginning of the pandemic, unauthorized COVID-19 sampling kits as well as fake COVID-19 treatments, and so-called “coronavirus vaccines” have been marketed to consumers online. None of them work.
Vaccines and Chloroquine
Let’s first point out some basics. A vaccine has not yet been fully developed to treat COVID-19. Health experts all over the world do not expect a real coronavirus vaccine to hit the market for public use before the end of 2020. Some experts predict a vaccine will not be ready even by the close of 2021. So, anyone trying to sell you a coronavirus vaccine is really a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Simply put, there are no FDA-approved, scientifically-backed products available to prevent COVID-19. The FDA points out that some people are taking a product called chloroquine phosphate to avoid the coronavirus. This is used by veterinarians, and it can have dangerous side effects in humans. It is advised that you not take any type of chloroquine that has not been prescribed by your doctor, and obtained from a legitimate, safe source.
Related: How the Coronavirus Hurts Your Kidneys
Beyond this, some sellers are even hawking dietary supplements they say can treat the coronavirus, and certain foods. Of course, some foods will help boost your immune system, but none will make you impervious to the virus.
If it is just a dietary supplement what is the danger, really? When people buy these products they can delay seeking proper medical help if they need it, and may stop appropriate medical treatments, thinking that the other substance will truly help them. This can be life-threatening and seriously dangerous. In consuming these products, you could also be taking something that could interfere with your regular medication.
What is Being Done
Officials warn that you should always be wary of products that claim to provide a “quick fix”. It takes time to treat most illnesses. To address the onslaught of fake COVID-19 products on the market, the FDA is actively working with retailers to remove these products from stores and online. The agency is also monitoring social media and online marketplaces for fraudulent coronavirus products. When sellers are caught, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission are issuing warning letters, seizing products, and issuing injunctions against people, companies, and products that violate the law. The agency is also monitoring complaints from consumers.
Stay aware. Remember, if something sounds like it is too good to be true, it likely is. If you come across a fraudulent product, you can report it to the FDA’s Health Fraud Program or the Office of Criminal Investigations.
photo credits: Botamochy/Shutterstock.com
