Kinney Drugs taking 'immediate action' against swine flu

GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. A regional retail pharmacy chain said it has taken steps to prevent the spread of swine flu in New York state and Vermont.

Kinney Drugs, which operates 88 stores in northern New York and Vermont, announced that it had taken “immediate action” on stocking up on pharmaceutical and hygiene products such as Roche’s antiviral medication Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), hand sanitizers, OTC cold and flu medications and personal protective equipment.

“We recognize our customers are concerned,” Kinney director of pharmacy operations Mike Duteau stated. “As always, our Kinney pharmacists are prepared and available to answer their questions.”

As of Thursday morning, the number of swine flu cases in the United States stood at 109, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One person outside of Mexico had died, a toddler of nearly 2 years from Mexico, visiting family in Texas.