While the instances of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections are nowhere near their levels during the height of the pandemic, the virus is still with us and continues to pose a public health threat.  Unfortunately, unscrupulous companies are marketing bogus COVID cures and treatments that are totally ineffective.  In the last couple of years I have reported on the efforts of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to stop scammers from preying on the fears of people by selling them worthless or even harmful phony cures and treatments.

Recently the FTC sued a multi level marketing company doTERRA International, LLC for its fraudulent claims that its essential oils and dietary supplements could cure, treat or prevent COVID-19.  The company and its high level distributors have agreed to settle the case and will be paying a financial penalty and cease making their unfounded claims.

TIPS

As for healthcare products in general, you should be skeptical about companies that promise miraculous cures to illnesses and medical conditions.  The world is full of snake oil salesmen.  You should also be wary of any healthcare product that is sold exclusively either over the Internet or through mail-order advertisements. The best course of action is to ask your physician about the effectiveness of a particular product or program before you buy it.

As for the Coronavirus specifically, the best places to get reliable information are  the World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus and the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html  You also can find trustworthy Coronavirus treatment information at the website of the FDA. https://www.fda.gov/patients/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-resources-patients

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