Ahmedabad: Sales of medications for respiratory disorders increased by 38% in February as a result of the recent rise in flu, viral infections, and H3N2 cases across the nation. The number of sales of medications for respiratory disorders increased from Rs 39.7 crore in February 2022 to Rs 54.7 crore in February this year, according to data from AIOCDAWACS, the pharmaceutical market-research branch of the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD).

Over the past month or two, there has been at least a 30% increase in individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Patients are typically given antibiotics and medications for respiratory diseases to treat their symptoms. The number of patients visiting the OPDs has increased by at least 30%, and the majority of them exhibit symptoms similar to the flu, such as a cough and cold.

Individuals have a propensity to self-medicate, particularly when they have the flu, a cold, or a cough, and despite warnings, the majority of them carelessly take antibiotics. Moreover, people increasingly tend to self-medicate with antibiotics, and those for respiratory illnesses are easily available over the counter.

The Federation of Gujarat State Chemists and Druggists Association (FGSCDA) president, Dr. Jashvant Patel, stated that the sales of antibiotics have significantly increased due to a spike in illnesses. After COVID-19, most individuals tend to stock up on common antibiotics, which will inevitably lead to an increase in demand.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/pharma/viral-infections-spur-38-rise-in-drug-sales-in-february/98859041 )