The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies has raised concerns over shortages of key over-the-counter cold and flu medications. Items such as throat lozenges, cough mixtures, and certain painkillers are becoming increasingly difficult to find on pharmacy shelves due to soaring demand. Both branded and generic treatments for seasonal illnesses are affected.
Pharmacists are facing challenges in obtaining basic cold and flu medicines, according to Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the association. She warned that the supply issues are impacting the availability of common treatments needed by many during this period.
The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses continue to circulate at high levels across the country. Health officials are advising adults who are unwell to wear face masks and recommending that parents keep children with fevers at home from school to help reduce transmission.
Ambulance services are also under pressure as oxygen supplies become strained amid the rising number of patients with respiratory conditions. The East of England Ambulance Service recently received a delivery of small oxygen cylinders but has urged staff to take sensible steps to conserve supplies. In December, the trust disclosed that oxygen suppliers were unable to meet orders on time.
Many ambulances carry several small oxygen cylinders, but these stocks deplete quickly if patients are not transferred promptly to accident and emergency departments. Although there is no overall shortage, NHS sources warn that portable oxygen supplies are under serious strain for patients battling flu and COVID-19.
An NHS spokesperson stated, “Local areas are using the existing supply as efficiently as possible, while suppliers are working with the NHS to help meet increased demand – anyone needing care should not hesitate to contact the NHS as they normally would.”
Meanwhile, NHS leaders in Luton, Bedford, Milton Keynes, and Dunstable are preparing for a potential surge in patient numbers. Sarah Whiteman, chief medical director of the regional Integrated Care Board, has issued a strong warning about patient overflow.
In an email obtained by The Sunday Times, Dr Whiteman described the situation as a “call to arms,” urging healthcare staff to sign temporary contracts and assist in emergency departments. She confirmed that tents on hospital grounds could be used as makeshift “field hospitals” to manage the increased patient load, although deployment is not currently imminent.
Hospitals in the region are currently operating at full capacity, with one in every eight beds across England occupied by patients showing COVID-19 or flu symptoms. This surge is placing significant strain on the NHS and pushing services to their limits.
Originally published by UKNIP.
