The warning comes from the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, an industry group.
Some pharmacists are “struggling to secure even the most basic” supplies, according to pharmacy executives. Who have warned of a lack of cough and cold medications.
According to the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, throat lozenges, cough mixtures. And a few painkillers are among the over-the-counter medications in low supply.
The business organization warned of shortages of both brand-name and generic medications used to treat seasonal ailments.
It follows a warning from the UK Health Security Agency that winter infections. Such as influenza and COVID-19, continue to circulate at “high levels.”
Pharmacy managers
Officials have asked ill people to use face masks to prevent the spread of illnesses. While feverish children should be kept home from school.
Leyla Hannbeck, the company’s chief executive, told the PA news agency.Tthat pharmacists are “struggling to secure the most fundamental and common cold and flu medications.”
She stated, “It’s not only the branded medications, but also simple items like throat lozenges. Cough mixtures, and pain relievers – especially the soluble ones.”
“Demand has been strong because this season has seen an increase in the number of incidents of colds and flu. And people are trying very hard to take care of themselves and utilize the appropriate treatments to control the symptoms.
“This has resulted in a shortage of these products because we are unable to purchase them.
“On the front lines, it’s particularly difficult since we’re experiencing shortages. But those in charge of supplying us with these items deny it.”
The pharmacy company Superdrug reported a significant increase in demand for cough and cold remedies.
Ms. Hannbeck, whose organization represents community-based pharmacies with many locations. Expressed concern that a lack of self-care supplies in pharmacies could increase pressure on the NHS.
Ms. Hannbeck continued, “We don’t want more people to go to their GP or A&E when the NHS is already under a lot of strain. As this is what we are observing, which is worrying.”
Despite the shortage warning, Ms. Hannbeck urged people to “not panic.”
Cough and cold medicine shortages in winter
She continued, “As pharmacists, we do all in our power to support patients in every way possible. And offer alternatives or guidance on how to treat cold and flu symptoms.”
Professor Susan Hopkins, the senior medical adviser for the United Kingdom’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA). On Tuesday urged adults to stay indoors if they are ill or to cover their faces while venturing outdoors to prevent the spread of illness.
She emphasized that when ill, adults should not “visit vulnerable persons unless it is an emergency.”
The recommendation is part of the UKHSA’s “easy steps” to assist in protecting children. And vulnerable adults as students return to school and university following the holiday break.
Prof. Hopkins noted that it is “essential to minimize the transmission of infection in schools. And other education and childcare settings” and suggested that children with a fever or feeling ill should also remain home from school or nursery to assist prevent the spread of illness.
The UKHSA has issued a warning that both influenza and COVID-19 are currently “circulating at high levels.” A trend that is expected to persist in the coming weeks.
Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London and designer of the COVID Zoe app, highlighted an Omicron variant. After a scientist reported that the number of instances in the United States had more than doubled in a week.
In the United Kingdom, high rates of scarlet fever. Which is caused by group A Streptococcus (Strep A), continue to be reported. At least 30 children in the United Kingdom and 122 across all age groups in England have died from invasive Strep A.
Regarding the cold and cough drug shortage, Thorrun Govind, chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, stated, “We are concerned, and yes, there is a supply chain issue that the government must investigate thoroughly.”
