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. Ask your pharmacists if they have access to compounding medications. They may be able to compound these medications into a liquid format as a substitute.
4. Get your Flu shot and Covid booster and make sure your vaccination status is up to date. The best defense to protect yourself and your loved ones from viruses as the one causing influenza and COVID-19, is to get your annual flu shot and COVID-19 booster. Pharmacists can also ensure your vaccination status is up to date to help protect you from other viruses. Find your local pharmacy’s website to make an appointment for your flu shot and COVID-19 booster.
Our affiliated 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.
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.