Doctor shares alternatives for hard-to-find children’s medicine


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ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) — It’s getting harder to find Children’s Tylenol and Motrin. That’s because flu, RSV, and COVID are causing an increased demand for these cold and flu medications.

The New York State Department of Health reports nearly 100,000 cases of flu have been reported in kids ages 5 to 17. Everyone is getting sick at the same time and everyone needs medicine at the same time. This is prompting high demand and scarce supply of acetaminophen and ibuprofen.





“When more and more people are in need of that medication it’s like an item you were to buy at a store. If everybody wants that item it’s a hot item it’s going to fly off the store shelves very quickly,” Dr. Nistico said.

It’s been tough to find these over-the-counter fever and pain-reducing medications for ill kids. This is where a lot of parents are stuck and wondering what can they do to help their child feel better. First, he says to speak to your child’s pediatrician about your child’s needs. There are also home remedies you can use to treat your child’s fever.

“Like a lukewarm bath or even using cold compresses on the forehead. Right now the best approach is to try to use your resources. Call and even look online, sometimes they have medications that can be sold like Tylenol.





















Dr. Nistico explains the threshold for a fever to run its course and a higher fever that might require more care.

“A fever is defined as having a number of 100.4. Lower grade temps of 101 or 102, you can say you’re in a zone where you’d be considered it’s kind of acceptable. But if it starts to creep above that 102 mark you should try your best to do things to try to reduce the fever.

Dr. Nistico added to be sure to read the medication packaging label and choose the right one for your child’s age and weight. These medications are not interchangeable so be careful.

Lastly, he says if your child hasn’t received the flu shot it’s a good time to consider it.









He also recommends keeping children home if they are sick to avoid the spread of infection to other kids.

 

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