FLU SURVIVAL GUIDE

• Vendors jack up flu shot prices • Supply mostly gone in local area • Remedy makers gear for flu season • Unusual behavior, fever mean flu danger for children • 2004 flu resources

In spring 2003, they benefited when consumers armed themselves against an epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, the flu-like disease without a vaccine.

Health authorities still say the best flu prevention is a vaccine - especially for high-risk groups such as seniors or those with chronic health problems. For all others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises frequent hand washing and avoiding contact with people showing symptoms.

Companies ready for a sales boost:

Cold and flu remedies

• Hyland's, which launched its Complete Flu Care flu remedy in June, doubled its flu season sales forecast to as much as $1 million. The Los Angeles firm expected a sales boost after last year's flu vaccine shortage. Still, says chief executive J.P. Borneman, "This is much more catastrophic than we anticipated."

• In Philadelphia, Boiron USA rushed video news releases to 2,000 TV stations three months ahead of schedule, promoting alternatives such as its Oscillo brand flu symptom medicine.

• Airborne in Carmel, Calif., added eight temporary workers to handle online and phone orders for its 10-tablet box of cold remedy, which sells for $6.99. Many orders are from retailers and consumers mentioning the vaccine shortage.

Hand cleaners

Gojo Industries, maker of Purell liquid hand sanitizer, had a surge in orders last year because of the SARS epidemic.

Mask distributors

• AnyMask, an online merchant of masks in Ashburn, Va., sold a case of 500 surgical masks to one consumer the day after the vaccine announcement. It typically sells one case a month. Owner Bryan Kerrigan is watching orders more closely. AnyMask sold 500 cases as news of SARS spread last spring.

• Mask manufacturer Safety Zone in Essex, Conn., said respirators guard better against flu than colds. Respirators, unlike surgical masks, block viruses better by completely covering the mouth and nose, general manager Mike Coyle says.