Long Islanders turning to newly popular medication as flu season worsens
Pharmacist Anthony Valenti says there are several medications for the flu, including Tamiflu, which is often prescribed for five days and Xofluza, a one-time pill that Valenti says has recently grown in popularity.
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Rockville Centre-based pharmacist Anthony Valenti says he's twice as busy filling prescriptions to treat the flu as he was last year and says cases may jump even higher now that the holidays are over.
"All the kids are back in school; teachers are back in school, and everyone is back to work at full throttle," he said.
Valenti says there are several medications for the flu, including Tamiflu, which is often prescribed for five days and Xofluza, a one-time pill that Valenti says has recently grown in popularity.
"Popular on social media and people wanting the one dose versus the day five dose," he said.
Valenti says Xofluza treats the flu fast, but it's less likely to be covered by insurance, often has a higher copay, and not for children under the age of 5.
He says Tamiflu is flying off his shelves, and so are at-home flu tests.
"They will test both for COVID and for flu A and B at the same time," Valenti said.
Pharmacists and doctors say if you test positive for the flu, it's important to take medicine as soon as possible. Bigger pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens, say they're seeing an increase in demand for flu-related medications, but there are no widespread shortages at their stores.
Valenti says at-home tests are available over the counter, but you need a prescription for Tamiflu and Xofluza.
Pharmacists say the at-home tests for flu and COVID-19 will run you about $20, and they recommend talking to your doctor about which flu medication is best for you.
