KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffFolks seek flu remedies, H1N1 vaccine soon to be available in IL
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By Carly O'Keefe - bio | email
CARTERVILLE, IL (KFVS) - As the flu spreads, folks in some areas are rushing to doctors offices and flooding local pharmacies. Those who haven't had the flu don't want it. That has driven many folks to seek out immune boosters to keep them healthy.
Natural Choice vitamin store owner Cheryl Couch loaded up on elderberry supplements for her Carterville store. The natural remedy is said to have anti-viral properties. Lately, she says she's getting a lot of calls from folks looking for a boost to help fend off the flu.
"We are seeing people we haven't seen before," said Couch. "Echinacea is a real good product, you load up on it first onset and that will really help decrease symptoms."
Pharmacist Ben Calcaterra sees the other end of the spectrum: the folks who've been to the doctor and have already tested positive for the flu. And he's seeing more patients than usual.
"We're seeing a much higher volume of walk-in patients because of the flu," said Calcaterra.
A shortage of liquid Tamiflu, the prescribed remedy for children and some adults, has kept Calcaterra especially busy. He's crushing Tamiflu capsules (there's no shortage of those) and turning them into a liquid form.
"We're making up to two to three pints a day," Calcaterra said.
As the flu spreads, the Jackson County Health Department announces its schedule of upcoming H1N1 vaccine clinics. The vaccine will be made available to folks with the highest risk of complication due to H1N1 before the general population.
Clinics will be held at the following locations:
Murdale Baptist Church
2701 W. Main, Carbondale
Friday October 30 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Hall
606 Plum, Murphysboro
Saturday October 31 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Lakeland Baptist Church
719 S. Giant City Road, Carbondale
Saturday November 7 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Jackson County Health Department
415 Health Dept Road (back
building), Murphysboro
Saturday November 14 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Jackson County Health Department
415 Health Dept Road (back
building), Murphysboro
Saturday November 21 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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