Stay tuned to see how Sears story goes
Here it comes. It is reported that Sears has been working with its advisors and trying to decide whether to file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy request or a Chapter 7 request. Both will affect consumers’ rights and could affect pension plans of retired Sears employees.
If you have Sears products under warranty, or are a Sears retiree or have Sears stock, watch this one carefully. Our Spokane Valley store has been very good at working with consumers and providing information and help on warranties.
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IT’S FLU SEASON, SHOT OR NOT: (By Terri Dickerson, Consumer Advocate) Every year comes fall, then comes flu season. As flu season approaches, you should understand that not all flu shots are the same.
For the 2018-19 flu season there is a new subtype of influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B circulating. The current vaccine should be updated to protect against these new subtypes.
Ask your pharmacy or doctor’s office if they carry the quadrivalent flu vaccine, which protects against four different flu viruses — two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses. This offers a broader spectrum of protection when compared to a trivalent vaccine, which protects against three flu viruses.
Optimally, the flu vaccine will prevent you from getting the flu, but that’s actually secondary to the primary goals of the vaccine which are to prevent an epidemic and to reduce the cases of severe flu infection which could require hospitalization.
If you do get a flu shot, be watchful of a true allergic reaction and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur. Symptoms could include difficulty breathing, swelling of face or tongue, or blockage of the airway.
If getting a flu shot isn’t your thing, there are some common sense things you can do to help protect yourself and others, like frequently washing your hands with regular soap (not anti-bacterial), living a healthy lifestyle and keeping your distance from sick folks when you can. If you are the sick one, be kind and stay home. And don’t forget to cover your coughs and sneezes.
Getting a flu shot is a personal decision so you should speak with your health care provider about the option that’s best for you. Above all, stay healthy.
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DOGGIES IN SHOPPING CARTS: I got a call from my favorite “Vitamin Lady.” She works in the vitamin aisle of a local store, assisting consumers with vitamin purchases. She raised the issue of dogs in shopping carts.
She has seen many examples of shopping carts “contaminated” by our furry friends. Given the confusing state of both federal and state laws regarding “companion” dogs and “service” dogs, management of most stores are afraid to question owners about whether or not a dog is legally entitled to be in a particular store. Suffice it to say that owners should, if they put dogs in shopping carts, thoroughly wipe down all areas of the cart that their puppy has been in contact with. Please be considerate of others.
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NATIONAL MOVEMENT ON ROBO CALLS: I read last week that the federal government is finally getting some legislation drafted to help protect consumers against robo calls and scam calls. The problem has become epidemic. Call your U.S. representative and U.S. senators now and strongly urge them to lead in this important effort.
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“GEEK SQUAD” CALL SCAM: The Geek Squad is a legitimate service offered by Best Buy, a national store selling computers, appliances and audio visual products. They have heavily advertised their products and services in our area.
Unfortunately, some scammers have taken to calling consumers claiming to be from the “(scam) squad” offering to help them “fix” their computer. All they want is your bank account information and your credit card information.
The real Geek Squad does not call consumers in response to pop-ups on their computer. Hang up if you get a call like this.
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NEED A LAUGH: With all the robo calls and scam calls, I often don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Given the choice, let’s laugh.
Here’s a link to a disc jockey/comedian getting back at a spam caller. If you have a moment, take a listen. I believe it will put a smile on your face and brighten your day (be aware, there is some adult language and humor contained in the clip). Here it is: https://bit.ly/2rGI6r5
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INTERESTING STUFF COMING UP: In the next few weeks I’ll have some interesting news (good news) for those who enjoy this column. As we all know, nothing stays the same forever. This column will be evolving, keeping up with new threats and communicating more effectively with readers. Be sure to keep reading.
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REMEMBER: “We’re On Your Side”
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We have many more tips and interesting cases that we’re working on. Call us at 208-699-2455. You can follow us at www.billbrooks.us. We are available to speak about consumerism to schools and civic groups. Bill Brooks is a consumer advocate who lives in Coeur d’Alene. Terri Dickerson is a writer and consumer advocate living in Coeur d’Alene. Bobbi Brooks is the proofreader.