THE Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Tuesday advised the public to be cautious when buying health products claiming to prevent or treat Influenza A H1N1.

HSA said it expects to see more products being promoted for the detection, prevention and the treatment of the flu, which is continuing to spread.

It warned that 'unscrupulous individuals and companies' may capitalise on the recent outbreak for commercial gain and that consumers should be wary of products with such claims.

They may be marketed as health supplements, medical products, medical devices or vaccines, said HSA in a statement.

To counter this, HSA advised consumers to get updates on the H1N1 flu by visiting the Health Ministry's website at www.moh.gov.sg and seek out doctors and pharmacists should they feel unwell or have queries about the disease.

HSA also advised those buying health products claiming to treat H1N1 to check the following:

- Know the product, especially as Tamiflu and Ralenza, which could only be prescribed by doctors, are the two anti-viral drugs recommended by the World Health Organisation. They should be taken with medical supervision.

Consumers should refrain from buying 'generic' brands of Tamiflu and Ralenza and know that there are currently no 'over-the-counter' diagnostic test kits available to conduct self-diagnosis at home for the flu virus.

- Know the sources and refrain from buying products from unlicensed and illegal Internet pharmacies, random websites, auction sites, electronic flyers via e-mail, spam e-mails, forum postings and 'blogshops'.

- Beware of advertising gimmicks such as claims of 'scientific study', '100 per cent guaranteed' and 'miracle cures'.

HSA urged the public to report any suspicious sale of illegal health products by calling a 24-hour line 68663485 or e-mail hsa-is@hsa.gov.sg.

It is illegal for anyone to deal in any medicinal product in Singapore without approval from HSA. Those who intend to deal in medicines or health products over the Internet should first check and familiarise themselves with regulatory requirements.