Cough-Cold and Flu

PHOENIX - Your birth year predicts -- to a certain extent - how likely you are to get seriously ill or die in an outbreak of an animal-origin influenza virus, according to a study published last week that was co-led by researchers from the University of Arizona in Tucson and the University of California, Los Angeles.

WASHINGTON - The OTC availability of dextromethorphan will save consumers and the healthcare system between $22 billion and $31 billion over the next 10 years, according to a study released Tuesday that was conducted by Charles River Associates and quantifies the savings consumers and the healthcare system receive from the over-the-counter availability of the widely used cough suppressant.

RICHMOND, British Columbia - Customers who receive their 2016/2017 influenza vaccination at London Drugs will now play an active role in helping to protect tens of thousands of the world's most vulnerable children from vaccine-preventable diseases, the Canadian retailer announced Monday. Through a new partnership with I Boost Immunity, a Canadian-based online immunization advocacy network, for every flu shot administered at London Drugs this year, a vaccine will be donated to UNICEF Canada to immunize children in a developing country.

CAMP HILL, Pa. - The Rite Aid Foundation announced this week that it is donating more than $1.8 million to KidCents charities on behalf of Rite Aid customers who received a flu shot this year. Each of the more than 360 KidCents charities, located in communities served by Rite Aid, will receive a $5,000 grant to support programs that improve the health and well-being of children in their communities.

RICHMOND, British Columbia  - London Drugs last week announced the availability of this year's influenza vaccine for Canadian consumers in anticipation of a greater demand.

MERIDEN, Conn. - Protein Sciences is looking to drum up some brand recognition behind its flu shot with a new social media campaign - #ShowMeTheVial - featuring Flublok influenza vaccine.  

To promote awareness and healthy living, raise money for organizations supporting patients and encourage individuals to ask for Flublok, Protein Sciences will donate money to charity each time someone "shows them the Flublok vial."

In addition, participants will be entered to win a Fit & Healthy prize package that includes a new Fitbit Blaze.