Advisory

2003-24
April 29, 2003
For immediate release

Health Canada is advising Canadians to be wary of products with claims concerning the prevention or treatment of SARS

OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising the public that there are no proven home remedies, treatments or preventives for SARS, and that consumers should be cautious of products being advertised for the prevention or treatment of the disease.

There have been reports in the media and on the Internet of home remedies and over the counter products being effective in the prevention and/or treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Recent examples of products with unsubstantiated SARS-related claims include Vitamin C, colloidal silver, belladonna, and other herbal or homeopathic products. It is important consumers are aware that these claims have not been proven to be effective in the prevention or treatment of SARS.

Individuals concerned they may have SARS should not self-diagnose or attempt to treat the disease by pursuing their own course of medication. This can result in a significant risk to the individual's health, and more broadly to family members and the general public. It is very important for anyone who is concerned they may have SARS to speak with a physician.

Although there are no proven preventive products, practising good personal hygiene is a key to stopping the spread of the disease. Thorough hand-washing - using hot, soapy water and lathering for at least 20 seconds - is most important for preventing the transmission of infections.

For additional information, please refer to Health Canada's website for daily updates on SARS.

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Media Inquiries:
Tara Madigan
Health Canada
(613) 946-4250

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991