Flu Season Essentials for Your Patients

Here at PDS, we take pride in highlighting some of our incredible exhibitors. We know these companies have the potential to revolutionize pharmacies just like yours through their products and services. We’re excited to introduce American Associated Pharmacies (AAP). Read on for their sponsored blog post about flu season essentials for your patients this flu season.

It’s that time of year where we experience an increase in cold and flu activity. Patients will be turning to your pharmacy for medication and remedies that they can rely on to get them through the winter.

Popular Supplements to Keep in Stock

According to the Nutrition Business Journal, the US supplement industry has seen an increase of 5-6% each year over the last two years, with growth expected to continue at that rate or higher until at least 2022. Make the most out of this opportunity for profitability by supplying your community with OTC products that carry valuable health benefits.

Elderberry

Elderberry syrup is growing in popularity as a powerful alternative to both prevent and fight cold and flu. It has been tied to a significant reduction in the severity and duration of symptoms in studies. Patients taking Elderberry syrup reported symptoms clearing up an average of four days earlier than those taking a placebo.

The syrup has been nearly impossible to keep on pharmacy shelves in recent flu seasons, and the market is expected to continue to grow at an accelerating rate of over 7% until 2022 at the very least. Don’t miss out! Your patients will thank you for keeping this new staple in stock.

Vitamin C

Studies have shown Vitamin C can boost your immune system, and possibly even help protect against heart disease, cancer, and stroke. This safe and effective supplement is a strong preventative for flu season. It’s recommended that the average adult receive at least 75-90mg daily for peak effectiveness.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is particularly useful in areas with harsher winter weather. When the sun is hiding behind clouds, it’s harder to soak up enough! Vitamin D is essential to the body’s immune system and bone strength, but our bodies cannot store it for extended periods of time. Supplements can help combat this and will also keep your patients happy and healthy.

Iron

Iron is another immune booster. It has shown to help keep energy levels up during short, dim days. Iron is essential to blood flow and oxygen transfer in the blood, making it a key component to heart, lung, and neurological function. Deficiencies are common even here in the US, with an estimated 8-12% of Americans not receiving enough iron in their diets. Women, young children, and patients with heart conditions are among some of the most likely to have these deficiencies and could most benefit from iron supplements.

Zinc

Zinc is known as another preventative supplement that can help to prevent the common cold if used regularly. Similar to elderberry, it strengthens the immune system and can aid in reducing the length and severity of a common cold. The average adult needs about 9.5mg a day, while women need about 7mg.

Cold and Flu Shots and Medications

While supplements are popular and can help prevent sickness or shorten a bout already underway, encourage your patients not to pass on a flu shot.

If your patients do come down with the flu, a cold, or a fit of allergies, you can be ready. Keep plenty of flu medication, nasal spray, and cough syrup on hand, as some of these–particularly a prescription like Tamiflu–can grow scarce as the season drags on. Stock up and stay ahead of the rush as much as possible to avoid losing potential income.

From AAP’s Member-Owned Warehouse for Cold and Flu Season

Find these remedies and more at store.apirx.com.

Supplements: Vitamins such as C, D, & E; Iron; Zinc; and more
Medications: Generic Tamiflu, Fluticasone nasal spray, Promethazine-Codeine cough syrup, Mucinex, and more
Other: Nasal strips, thermometers, socks, and other winter essentials

About the Author

As a cooperative of over 2,000 member pharmacies with an independently owned warehouse and specialty pharmacy, the nation’s 4th largest PSAO, and qualified preferred partners, American Associated Pharmacies (AAP) is so much more than a buying group. AAP provides the tools and resources needed for members to improve their bottom lines. Visit RxAAP.com/ProveIt to learn more.