Wichita pharmacies limit cold, flu medicines as shortage continues. What to know

Lindsay Smith
Susan Pfannmuller/ Special to The Star

Retailers in Wichita are limiting how much medicine customers can purchase amid a national shortage of some cold and flu medication.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports over-the-counter medications, specifically those that help treat the cold and flu, are becoming harder to find.

Walgreens released a statement saying it will limit online purchases of over-the-counter children’s fever reducing products to six.

A sign posted in a Wichita Walgreen’s store Wednesday limited purchases of children’s Tylenol and ibuprofen to two. A Dillon’s store in Wichita had a sign posted limiting purchases to four for adult medicines or children’s cough, cold and flu medications.

Sedgwick County COVID positivity rate hovers under 10%. See latest data on cases

The shortage comes in the middle of flu season in Sedgwick County.

Currently, 2.5% of emergency room visits are flu related and 19.6% of visits are due to any acute respiratory disease, according to Sedgwick County data. The latest data from the county show the positive COVID-19 test rate just below 10%, but that does not include at-home tests that were not reported to the health department.

How to treat cold and flu symptoms at home

What if you find yourself sick or taking care of someone who is sick and can’t find access to medication? Here are some ways to treat symptoms safely at home, from Mayo Clinic:

  • Stay hydrated

  • Rest

  • Use a vaporizer

  • Drink warm liquids

  • Soothe your sore throat with a saltwater gargle

Flu infections in Sedgwick County begin to decline, but remain high. See the latest

To avoid contracting a virus, wash your hands, keep your distance from people who may be ill and stay away from large gatherings as much as possible.

John Hopkins says to seek medical attention if your symptoms last longer than two weeks, you have trouble breathing or experience chest pain or have a sore throat or fever higher than 100 degrees for longer than three days.

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