Don't be taken in by swine flu scams

The potential for a flu pandemic is nothing to be taken lightly. More cases of swine flu -- H1N1 -- are being reported in Nebraska, but the confirmed level is only six so far.

Worldwide, about 1,500 cases have been reported, but the disease should be kept in perspective.

In a normal American season, 200,000 people have to be hospitalized because of the flu and 36,000 people die.

There's certainly no reason to panic over swine flu, and definitely no reason to be taken in by scams like those reported by Nebraska's Better Business Bureau.

Using fraudulent e-mails and Web sites, scammers are taking advantage of public fear to cash in. Don't be fooled by offers selling swine flu vaccinations; there are none. The H1N1 virus is a mixture of human, pig and bird viruses to which humans may have little immunity.

And, don't pay for information on how to avoid the flu; it's all available free from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or your local health department or health care provider.

But do stay aware of possible symptoms and the steps to take.

Symptoms of the illness include a fever of more than 100 degrees, body aches, coughing, a sore throat, respiratory congestion and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.

The virus can be treated with anti-flu drugs, which lessen symptoms if taken within 48 hours of the first signs of illness.

State health officials recommend that only those moderately or seriously ill seek medical treatment to prevent a strain on hospitals and doctors. They also recommend taking commonsense precautions such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and staying home at the earliest signs of illness.