Pharmacists can help Canadians stay healthy and safe this cold and flu season
This cold and flu season there continues to be an unprecedented demand and challenges for Canadian parents and caregivers looking to buy over-the-counter cough and cold medications. Health Canada continues to work closely with manufacturers to bring supply to market to help meet demands. Pharmacists can help Canadian parents and caregivers amid these shortages and recommend alternative non-drug approaches to help manage symptoms.
Speak to your local pharmacists about appropriate children’s cold and flu treatment options and treatment alternatives including:
1. Alternative formats of medications and non-drug treatments. Pharmacists can advise when it is safe and appropriate to use cough and cold medications for your child (based on their age, weight, and other health conditions), and when it is not. Pharmacists can also advise on how to safely use alternative dosage forms (such as suppositories or crushing/cutting tablets) and provide alternative treatment options, such as non-drug approaches to managing cough and cold symptoms when medications are either not available or cannot be used safely.
2. Repackaging bulk stock into smaller packages. As a prescription is not necessary for over-the-counter formulations of these products, certain pharmacists can provide smaller quantities of acetaminophen and ibuprofen and advise how to use them safely.
3. Compounding Medications. Some pharmacies in your province can compound these medications into a liquid format as a substitute.
4. Get your Flu shot and Covid booster. The best defense to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza and COVID-19 is to get your annual flu shot and COVID-19 booster. Across Canada, children over the age of five can receive a flu shot in pharmacy and in Ontario & Manitoba children over the age of two years can receive their flu shot from a pharmacist. Find your local pharmacy’s website to make an appointment for your flu shot and COVID-19 booster.
Canadian pharmacists are here to help your loved ones during this cold and flu season, please speak to them about how to stay safe and healthy.