You can keep yourself safe from a scam during the current flu scare by getting your products and information from health care professionals, advises the Better Business Bureau.

Everything from supposed flu vaccines to health pandemic defence kits are being sold online, said Lynda Pasacreta, BBB’s chief executive officer.

“There is an enormous amount of media coverage regarding the delay in delivery and current low inventory of H1N1 vaccine, which is enough to inspire scammers to take advantage of the public’s anxiety about the situation,” Pasacreta said. “At best, these products don’t work. At worst, they’re dangerous.”

The BBB offers some tips for avoiding H1N1 flu scams:

• Don’t fall for false claims. Be wary of promotions using terms such as “scientific breakthrough,” “miracle cure,” “secret ingredient” or “ancient remedy.” To report a suspicious ad claim, you can file a complaint at www.cb-bc-gc.ca.

• Know who and what you are dealing with. Avoid websites that don’t provide the company’s name, physical address, phone number of other contact information.

• Go to official sources of information. Follow health advice only from a trusted source and don’t believe product claims to prevent to cure swine flu. The federal government website www.fightflu.ca can provide current information.

• Don’t go online for the vaccine, go to a clinic. If you’re having problems finding the vaccine, visit www.health.gov.bc.ca/flu.

SKINFO AT LIBRARY SESSION

Coquitlam Public Library is one of 13 libraries across North America that has received a $500 grant through the American Association for the Advancement of Science Skin Deep Project to fund public awareness events related to skin health.

The grant will help the library provide skin awareness programs, including one called Healthy Skin offered Nov. 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Poirier library branch, where John Curry will present from the new book The Science Inside: Skin.

To register for this free program, call 604-937-4140, Ext. 291.