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Flu season, COVID and other viruses mean medication is in demand

Dec 27, 2022
The country is still facing shortages of Children’s Tylenol and other common over-the-counter medicines.
While some stores are limiting purchases of flu medications to avoid panic buying, others are facing shortages.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Flu season could be less damaging, experts say

Jan 8, 2019
During last year’s season, an estimated 80,000 people died.
A sign advertising flu shots is displayed at a Walgreens pharmacy on Jan. 22, 2018 in San Francisco, California. 
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For many grocery stores and pharmacies offering the flu shot is just a way to get you in the door

Oct 25, 2018
Retail pharmacies and grocery stores are trying to entice people to get the flu shot in their store with discounts and gift cards in the hopes of gaining long term customers.
This is the second year Publix grocery stores are offering this flu shot incentive. 
Alexandra Olgin for Marketplace

For many grocery stores and pharmacies offering the flu shot is just a way to get you in the door

Oct 25, 2018
Retail pharmacies and grocery stores are trying to entice people to get the flu shot in their store with discounts and gift cards in the hopes of gaining long term customers.
This is the second year Publix grocery stores are offering this flu shot incentive. 
Alexandra Olgin for Marketplace

Flu season could cost employers billions of dollars

Feb 12, 2018
This flu season could cost businesses at least $15.4 billion in lost productivity, according to one employment consulting firm.
A sign advertising flu shots is displayed at a Walgreens pharmacy on Jan. 22, 2018 in San Francisco, California. 
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Using smart thermometers to track flu ... and advertise

Jan 19, 2018
The United States is experiencing an especially bad flu season this winter. So grab your hand sanitizer, because we’re taking on the topic with a look a smart thermometers, like the ones made by KinsaHealth. The company’s thermometers connect to an app to give users medical advice and to track the spread of fevers (and, […]

There’s a sharp spike in hospitalizations this flu season

Jan 5, 2018
Hospitals across the country are seeing a sharp spike in the number of hospitalizations this flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It seems the strain of the virus that’s circulating is particularly vicious. That means higher costs for patients – and headaches for hospitals. Click the audio player above to […]

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The hazards of trying to make flu shots mandatory

Jan 21, 2016
How the flu can mount to a lot of cost for businesses.
Cynthia Foreman receives a free flu shot from a Walgreens employee during a free flu shot clinic at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, California. Residents received no cost flu shots during a flu shot clinic at Allen Temple Baptist Church.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Off-target flu shot will cost employers

Dec 9, 2014
Since this year's flu vaccine is off the mark, more people will probably come down with the flu.