According to NPR, some locations may have difficulty obtaining child-specific fever-reducing medicines. Right now, stores may be running short on cold and flu medications. It may be tough to locate children’s Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil, among other fever reducers.
According to pharmaceutical industry experts, prescription medicine sales have recently increased. This is predicted given the present “tripledemic” of three respiratory viruses (COVID, RSV, and influenza). Consumer demand for pediatric pain medications in the United States is substantial.
Still, there are no supply chain issues and no general shortage, according to Melissa Witt, a business spokesperson. “We are witnessing great customer demand and are doing everything we can to ensure consumers have access to what they want,” a business official said.
Compared to the same month the previous year, national sales of children’s internal analgesics such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen surged by more than 26%. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), a trade body for over-the-counter medicine producers, confirms this.
Even if there isn’t a statewide shortage, some prescriptions may be difficult to find in specific sections of the United States, particularly near the Canadian border. According to CHPA, Western New York, notably the Buffalo-Rochester region, has the highest demand.
Compared to the same month the previous year, sales of such items increased by 53% in the Buffalo-Rochester region in October. Buffalo is a popular location for Canadians looking to stock up on children’s pain and fever medications due to its closeness to Toronto.
On Thursday, spot checks by DC health authorities found that, while most pharmacies had some children’s fever medications in store, supplies were low. A Giant supermarket, a CVS, a Target, and a Bed Bath & Beyond were among the stores. Adult cold and flu medicines were similarly brutal to come by.
Anita Brikman, a CHPA spokesperson, adds, “The supply chain is strong.” She advises caregivers to look at alternative possibilities, such as internet retailers and store brands, instead of more expensive name brands.
Dr. Sean O’Leary, a pediatrician, professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, and head of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, believes that medicine may not even be required (AAP).
“A fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit is not caused for concern if the youngster is attentive and pleasant while playing.” That will not harm him, so go ahead and do it. The human body’s defense strategy against illness is a rise in temperature known as a fever.
If he doesn’t have a fever but has a sore throat or other mild illness, pain medications such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, or acetaminophen may help.” There are alternatives to medications when a child develops a fever, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) promotes such options.
