Americans are much more worried about the coronavirus than their local pharmacists, according to a national survey, and they're snapping up surgical masks faster than the stores can get them.
Thirty-two percent of pharmacists surveyed say the coronavirus is a significant public health threat, according to the survey released. Forty-two percent disagree, while 26 percent are unsure. Fifty-four percent of them say, however, that their patients are very worried.
Sixty-three percent of local pharmacists say their customers are buying surgical masks as a precaution, while a staggering 96 percent say they're selling them faster than they can restock. Nearly 40 percent say they can't get enough respirator masks. Many are reporting shortages of hand sanitizers, surface sanitizers, and gloves as well.
"Patients are on edge and they're preparing," said Caswell.
He pointed out that local pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers in most communities. In fact, pharmacies in many states now administer flu shots and other vaccinations thanks to recent changes in the law. They're very well-positioned to do the same for coronavirus and other new infectious diseases when vaccines are developed.
Wall-to-wall news coverage of the coronavirus is causing concern among patients, and they're rushing to buy items they hope will protect them and their families. Only a handful of cases have been reported in the U.S., compared to China and other parts of the world where thousands are infected.
