The Current Avian Flu Situation


November 10, 2005

Recent announcements from President Bush regarding the nation's need to prepare for a possible outbreak of avian or "bird flu" have resulted in numerous consumer inquiries at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy locations. For this reason, the company wishes to outline its thoughts on the current health situation.

1. It's important that our customers remain calm and not panic about the possibility of an avian flu outbreak. While scientists have indicated that an outbreak has potential, there is no current evidence that the flu is spreading from human to human, only from bird-to-bird and bird-to-human. In addition, thus far the flu is contained in Asia.

2. At this point, there is no vaccine for the avian flu. Some experts have indicated that Tamiflu may help stave off the disease. However, if a pandemic were to occur the strain of disease would likely have mutated, possibly rendering Tamiflu ineffective as a treatment. For this reason, and because the product is in need by those legitimately suffering from this season's standard influenza, Pharmaca does not advocate stocking up on Tamiflu. In addition, because the product is only available with a doctor's prescription, Pharmaca has not seen evidence of hoarding.

3. Pharmaca's health and wellness experts are paying close attention to the news reports and scientific reports as this disease progresses. We are here to be a resource to consumers with questions about current health issues, including the avian flu.

4. Because there is no avian flu vaccine, Pharmaca health experts stress that at this point, the best defense against the flu (of all sorts) is to keep the immune system healthy and strong. For more information on how to strengthen the immune system, visit a Pharmaca store near you.

About Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy
Pharmaca, founded in June 2000 as the first integrative pharmacy in the U.S. and headquartered in Boulder, Colo., operates pharmacies that offer conventional and natural health solutions. The Company operates ten pharmacies in Colorado, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. www.pharmaca.com

Contact:
Julie Lunn
Fresh Ideas Group
303-449-2108 x 10
julie@freshideasgroup.com