Massive rise in cough remedy sales as society reopens

THERE has been a ‘dramatic’ rise in the sales of cough remedies, with one independent pharmacy chain seeing a jump of over 40%.

Over-the-counter cough treatment sales increased by 42% between July and September this year in comparison to 2020, while sales of cold and flu remedies are up by 14%, according to CarePlus Pharmacy.

This may be due to Covid-19 restrictions being in place during the same period last year. Ireland managed to last the winter in 2020 without reporting even one case of flu as Covid-19 public health measures helped wipe it out.

The new figures come amid reports of a rise in patients going to GPs across the country with cold-related and respiratory symptoms as Covid restrictions are gradually lifted.

CarePlus pharmacist Tomás Conefrey said that an increase in these types of illnesses was expected but not at such a rapid rate.

He added: ‘With the lifting of restrictions, the return to school and more recently people returning to the workplace, we knew to expect a rise in sales, but this is higher than would be expected at this time of year.

‘With the worst of the traditional cold and flu season still ahead of us, it’s really important people know the symptoms of Covid-19, make sure they have their vaccinations against coronavirus and the flu, and look after their health as the weather gets colder.’

The figures from the independent pharmacy network were collected from more than 60 outlets across Ireland and then compared to the same time in 2020.

While cold and flu symptoms are becoming more common again, Mr Conefrey said it is important to stay at home if you believe symptoms could be related to Covid-19.