MACON, Ga. — According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), there is a drug shortage of the antiviral treatment Oseltamivir, also known as Tamiflu.
The drug treats people who have come down with the flu. However, with more cases of people catching the flu, companies have been unable to keep up with the supply and demand.
Bob Moody is a registered pharmacist at Powell's Pharmacy on Bloomfield Road. He says they can't place an order for the brand until 2023. He says the shortage of sneezing and coughing medication may be due to supply chain issues.
"A lot of the medications, we get from overseas, China, so that's my assumption as to why we're not able to get it right now. Every once in a while, it will pop up that we can order some. I had a second wholesaler call me last week and I was able to get 10 boxes of it in stock, so I do have it currently, but that's only 10 prescriptions worth.
According to the CDC, they've reported more than 6.2 million current flu cases. On their interactive, Georgia has high influenza cases. Above them on the level are Texas, Tennessee, and New Mexico.
Caroline Hargrove is a retired nurse. She says she's glad she's got a flu shot to avoid getting the sneezing and coughing medicine.
"Every year, I get the flu vaccine and I haven't had flu for years and years and years," Hargrove said.
Hargrove told 13WMAZ she has not used Tamiflu herself but knows others who have. She says the medication does work once you take it. She suggests another way to stay healthy.
"I think getting the flu vaccine does a lot. Some people say, 'Well, I never get the flu -- the only time I've had the flu was when I got the vaccine,' but I'm not sure I actually blame the vaccine," Hargrove said.
You can to your local pharmacy to get the flu shot.