Cough-Cold and Flu

The graying of the baby boomers, an increased focus on supplementing healthier lifestyles and the steady stream of nasal corticosteroid brands making their way from prescription-only to the more value-oriented OTC aisle were just three significant drivers behind the growth of over-the-counter medicines in 2016.

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WASHINGTON — Reps. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, and Doris Matsui, D-Calif., both members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the DXM Abuse Prevention Act on Thursday in a bipartisan effort to prevent teen abuse of over-the-counter cough medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan, commonly referred to the DXM.

The bill would establish a national age-18 requirement for the purchase of the medicines containing DXM. Over the past several years,12 states have addressed this issue by passing similar legislation.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The high-dose flu vaccine appeared to be more effective at preventing post-influenza deaths among older adults than the standard-dose vaccine, at least during a more severe flu season, according to a large new study of Medicare beneficiaries released Thursday and published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The East Coast, especially throughout North Carolina, has become the hot bed for influenza activity for the week of Feb. 26, according to the latest Walgreens Flu Index issued Wednesday.

For the week of Feb. 26, the top 10 markets experiencing flu activity are:

DESTIN, Fla. — PPC Group was named the winner of the 2017 DSN/ECRM Buyers’ Choice Award in recognition of its EZC Pak immune support supplement.

The award was presented during ECRM’s Cough, Cold, Analgesics & Allergy EPPS held here. Elyptol was a finalist for the award in recognition of the launch of its Antimicrobial Hand Gel Sanitizer.

ATLANTA — The 2016/2017 influenza season has peaked. Influenza activity decreased slightly but remained elevated in the United States for the week ended Feb. 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday.

Influenza-like activity reported through the U.S. Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network  dropped from 5.2% patient visits attributed to influenza-like illness nationwide to 4.8% for the week. The national baseline is 2.2%.

DEERFIELD, Ill.— Parts of the South Atlantic are heating up in terms of flu, according to the latest Walgreens Flu Index heat map released Wednesday. Significant flu activity gains are being reported across North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia, Walgreens noted.

By market, the top 10 regions experiencing flu activity gains for the week of Feb. 19 are:

ATLANTA — Based on early data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week reported that flu vaccines this season are reducing a vaccinated person’s risk of getting sick and having to go to the doctor because of flu by about half (48%). The agency also reported that there are still weeks to go during the current flu season.