Ontario pharmacists are concerned about the shortage of cold and flu medications that have led to a limited supply for buyers.
Jen Belcher, vice president of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, told CTV News London that there has been an increase in consumer demand since last fall due to COVID-19.
“Relaxation of personal and public health precautions has led to an increase in some of these viruses that were kept at bay during these measures,” he said.
The shortage has worsened due to the allergy season, the constant presence of COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions.
“It has led to challenges in product supply, but we have also seen much greater demand due to the symptoms of COVID-19,” he added.
While during the summer months, there is usually less spread of cold and flu viruses, pharmacists in London, Ont. they are seeing fewer drugs coming in for colds and flu from children.
“We do our best to find alternatives to not leave people empty-handed,” said Omnia Masoud, who owns a pharmacy on Wonderland Road. “There is a higher demand as COVID has changed from lower respiratory infection to upper respiratory infection. The symptoms are very similar to those of a cold.”
Masoud said his pharmacy places orders daily and puts it back on the order lists of various medications.