Tripledemic Continues: Medicine Shortages Across Lubbock Surge

People are searching for solutions and answers as the medicine shortage continues.

A triple threat of viruses is on the rise and  it’s now being called a ‘tripledemic.' This includes SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza (flu) and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported at least 8.7 million flu cases, 78,000 hospitalizations and more than 4,000 deaths so far this season. The CDC says levels of respiratory illnesses are higher than they typically see this time of year.

This tripledemic has impacted Texas hospitals and medicine supplies. The FDA even announced a nationwide shortage of prescription drugs like Tamiflu, an antiviral medication to treat the flu, as well as amoxicillin, which is found in many antibiotics.

Along with prescription medicine, they are also seeing a shortage of Tylenol, Ibuprofen and cough medications on backorder.

According to CNN, "there are some systems in place to stay ahead of shortages. The FDA requires manufacturers to notify it if there is anything that would disrupt the manufacturing or supply of a drug, and in many cases, that allows the agency to head off problems.:

I have differently heard from a lot of people being sick or under the weather. No one can keep healthy. I wasn't feeling great this weekend but thankfully it has gotten better.

Now, what do you do if you can't get your medicine? You can try other remedies people have talked about like elderberries. They help support your immune system, this will help prevent you from getting sick along with when you are.

You could also try Zinc or raw honey. Those two things also can help. You can add some ginger tea to your daily intake to help with inflammation or nausea.

According to Healthline, "one of the first things that parents can do to help their children is to get them tested if they have symptoms of the cold, flu or COVID-19.Understanding if your child has influenza, RSV, COVID-19, or another virus can prevent you from needing prescription antibiotics to take care of an illness."Now if your child does get sick and the pharmacies don't have the medicine you need to talk to your doctor. They have help find alternative formulations.

They also say try using a humidifier or even steam from a shower that can help with nasal congestion. Some people even say warm therapy such as a bath can help with body aches, and thicker substance foods such as honey to help with sore throats but honey should not be given to any children under the age of 12 months.

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