Online sales of flu drugs soar (Denver Post)

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

Article Launched: 10/20/2005 01:00:00 AM

Trend likely linked to fears of pandemic. Health officials deplore hoarding of antiviral drugs because it reduces supplies needed by the public.
By Katy Human
Denver Post Staff Writer


Internet sales of antiviral drugs at some online pharmacies are up by 1,000 percent or more this year, and health officials, who suspect the trend is related to fear of a flu pandemic, are calling the practice of hoarding both unethical and dangerous.

Private U.S. citizens, including many in Colorado, are purchasing huge amounts of antiviral drugs online, according to several pharmacies.

"We are strongly discouraging this," said Ned Calonge, Colorado's chief medical officer.

"This behavior ... has the potential to reduce supplies that are available for seasonal flu," said Bill Hall, spokesman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

MKJ
http://denverpost.com/news/ci_3133273

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. The Bush Administration is getting in the way of free enterprise?

I'd think he'd want private citizens to make the pharmas rich. Let the public be damned.