Flu meds limited because of early outbreak

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - It's fast, it's strong, and it's leaving medical manufactures with a slight shortage. This year's flu season has Tamiflu wholesalers on alert.

The coughs, the chills, the fevers - flu season wasted no time rearing its ugly head this year.

"We're definitely seeing an earlier flu season than normal and certainly our ERs are seeing more patients with influenza like illness. So we know that flu season is here," said Melissa McMasters, a nurse at the Marion County Health Department.

Usually peaking in February or March, this year's early start means those, like Kurt Moyer at Doctor Aziz Pharmacy, is starting to see alerts on his medicine order forms.

"On this liquid preparation, manufacturer out," said Moyer.

Normally treating one to two flu patients a week, Moyer says their clinic is seeing two to three a day.

"We have seen more flu cases this year than we have in the past. Fortunately, more patients are also coming in for their flu vaccinations," said Moyer.

It's a good thing but it also means those procrastinating getting their shot may want to hurry up.

"The flu vaccine, as you can see, our wholesalers now have none available."

Moyer says with a drug that's seasonal, manufacturers always create a limited supply.

"So right off the bat, there's going to be a potential problem and then if you end up in a year like this year, where we are seeing more cases of the flu, that's going to drain that supply faster than you would normally see," said Moyer.

And experts say, don't count the season done after this round.

"One thing we sometimes see in some of these seasons is kind of two peaks, so sometimes we'll see an early one and then a second one comes around later in the season," said Dr. Chris Belcher, St. Vincent Infectious Diseases Specialist.

Even with less availability, doctors say there is plenty of medicine and vaccine - for now. Just, if you're planning on it, hurry up and get stuck with it so you're not stuck without it.

This season in Indiana, seven deaths have been reported from the flu.

If you're in Marion County, there's a flu hotline to help answer your questions at 317-221-2121.