Cold & Flu Medicine Shortage: What to Do About it Going into Winter 2023
In December 2022, retailers across the nation reported cold and flu medicine shortages.1 Not only did this news come at the start of the winter season, but also in the midst of what many experts were calling a “tridemic,” which referred to the surge in RSV, flu, and COVID-19 cases occurring at once.
Find out why this shortage happened, what you can do to help protect yourself from needing these types of medications, and alternative ways to ease cold and flu symptoms.
Why is There a Cold & Flu Medicine Shortage?
Experts say the shortage resulted from an increased demand for medications as children became ill earlier in cold and flu season than expected, mostly with RSV.2 The high number of flu cases have also led to shortages of cold and flu medication for adults.
Though the Biden administration announced a release of the flu medication Tamiflu from the national stockpile to deal with shortages, most retailers resorted to enforcing limits on cold and flu medications used to ease symptoms like pain, fever, cough, and congestion. Even prescription drugs like the antibiotic amoxicillin were on backorder.3 Nearly a month later, the shortages persist, making it necessary to search for other ways of easing symptoms.
What Does it Mean for Me?
While a shortage of amoxicillin does cause concern for those battling bacterial infections, it’s important to remember that most cold and flu medications (including Tamiflu) do not cure the cold or flu because these illnesses are viruses that must run their course.
In fact, most over-the-counter cold and flu medications seem to work because they mask symptoms, distracting you with side effects like drowsiness and lightheadedness until your body recovers. And when compared to placebo, studies show that over-the-counter medications like popular cough syrups containing DXM do not actually make people feel better.4
This doesn’t mean there’s no hope in easing your cold and flu symptoms, but it does mean that you do not need to rely as heavily on these medications as you may think. A combination of preventative methods, healthy habits, and homeopathic medication offer an alternative path to easing your cold and flu symptoms without harsh, synthetic chemicals and harmful side effects so you can get better faster and keep yourself from getting sick in the future.
The Importance of Preventative Methods
You can’t control where or when you may be exposed to cold or flu germs, especially during a tridemic, but there are a number of things you can do to protect your body so it can fight off all types of infections more effectively.
Some of the top preventative methods include:
- Washing your hands regularly: Keeping your hands clean is one of the healthiest (and easiest) ways to safeguard your health. This is because when you touch an infected surface and then touch your nose, eyes or mouth, you provide an easy path for germs to enter your body. Wash your hands with soap and water as often as possible, especially before eating, or use hand sanitizer if you cannot get to a sink.
- Practicing clean eating: A healthy diet can boost your immune system so that your body is better prepared to fight off any invading viruses or bacteria. Aim for eating colorful foods like fruits and vegetables and probiotic-rich foods that support your gut health.
- Taking your vitamins: You’ll get most of your immune-boosting vitamins and minerals from a healthy, varied diet, but you can fill gaps by taking supplements. The most important ones are vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and zinc.
- Getting adequate sleep: Adults need about 7-8 hours of sleep each night to keep their immune system functioning at its optimum level. When you get less than this, your immune system becomes weakened, increasing your chance of contracting the cold or flu.
- Hydrating: Water has a big job of carrying oxygen to your cells, allowing your body’s systems to function properly while flushing out toxins. Be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your immunity strong.
Caring for Yourself & Others During Medicine Shortage
Sometimes, practicing preventative methods only goes so far. If you end up catching the cold or flu, there’s no need to panic, even if the pharmacy shelves are looking bare. It’s still important to eat well, rest often, and drink plenty of water, but trying a homeopathic medication like Brillia Health can also make a significant difference in how you feel.
Brillia Health offers two distinct products suitable for children and adults battling cold and flu symptoms like congestion, cough, throat pain, fatigue, and body aches. Brillia Health Cold-Flu Recovery uses unique antibody ingredients to target the specific proteins in the body responsible for causing cold and flu symptoms and helps your body control them. While easing respiratory symptoms and boosting your immune response, the homeopathic medication also helps to minimize the risk of developing a secondary infection, especially if taken at the first sign of illness. Cold-Flu Recovery is also clinically proven to shorten the duration and intensity of your illness without making you drowsy or causing an upset stomach. Free from harsh, synthetic chemicals, Cold-Flu Recovery is so gentle and impactful, it can even be taken by children as young as one.
If you’re also battling a wet or dry cough, Brillia Health Cough Control can help coughing by working as a cough suppressant and antihistamine. Unlike other over-the-counter cough medicines and allergy medicine, Cough Control will not cause drowsiness or the jitters either. In addition to easing your cough, the medication also contains antibodies to minimize the stress that coughing places on your body and works as an antitussive to stop the cough reflex altogether. This medication is safe for children three and up. For multi-symptom relief, feel free to take both products together so you can get better faster without having to leave your home.
Find out more about how Brillia Health products work and place your order online.
Get a whole bunch of wellness
right in your inbox.
