Fear of the new coronavirus has swept across the globe, and we all want a cure. Certain companies are taking advantage of the fear and confusion this can create. But don&rsquo;t let them fool you. 
 
The <a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a> (FDA) has stepped in to <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-alerts-consumers-about-unauthorized-fraudulent-covid-19-test-kits" target="_blank">stop the sale of scam products</a> that claim to cure or prevent COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. The FDA, along with the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/" target="_blank">Federal Trade Commission</a>, has sent dozens of warning letters to companies accusing them of marketing products that are a threat to public health.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
The products targeted by the FDA included teas, essential oils, and colloidal silver. A key concern is that people with COVID-19 who use these bogus products might delay or stop appropriate medical care. That could be a life-threatening choice. 
 
The facts about COVID-19 treatment 
There are no vaccines or drugs approved to treat COVID-19 yet, according to federal health officials. Some treatments are being investigated. But they haven't been fully tested for safety or effectiveness. A vaccine for widespread use is at least a year away. Right now the only treatment for COVID-19 is supportive care, such as giving oxygen to people who are having trouble breathing.&nbsp; 
 
Buyer beware 
The FDA cautions everyone to be wary of any website or store selling anything that claims to prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19. Fake products may come in many forms, such as foods, dietary supplements, and unapproved medical devices, drugs, and vaccines.&nbsp; 
 
Protect yourself from products being falsely marketed to treat COVID-19. <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/fraudulent-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-products" target="_blank">Check out the full list of companies receiving letters</a> from the FDA to stop selling scam products.&nbsp; 
 
Call your doctor first 
Don't be misled. Call your doctor before using any product that claims to prevent or treat COVID-19. 
 
We&rsquo;re here for you 
Your health and your safety are our priority at Blue Cross<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">&reg;<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; Blue Shield<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">&reg;<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; of Arizona (BCBSAZ). We partner with state and federal agencies as well as advocacy organizations to report, investigate, and reduce the incidence of healthcare fraud. Especially in this time of uncertainty, we are committed to protecting you from fraudsters seeking to profit from our collective fear.&nbsp; 
 
Get more COVID-19 support 
Find the latest BCBSAZ COVID-19 response and resources at <a href="https://www.azblue.com/coronavirus" target="_blank">azblue.com/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp; 
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A cure for coronavirus? Don’t buy it.

Fear of the new coronavirus has swept across the globe, and we all want a cure. Certain companies are taking advantage of the fear and confusion this can create. But don&rsquo;t let them fool you.