There have been no confirmed cases of swine flu in Pennsylvania, however people all across the Keystone State are working to protect themselves from the potentially deadly virus.
CBS 21 News called dozens of pharmacies in York, Lancaster, Dauphin and Cumberland Counties and some of them are completely out of Tamiflu. Other locations told us they are running low on the medication.
Tamiflu is a prescribed antiviral drug used to fight off several forms of influenza, including swine flu. The flu medication comes in both liquid and capsule form.
Pharmacist in Central Pennsylvania told CBS 21 News they have been receiving phone calls and prescriptions for Tamiflu ever since the news broke about confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States.
Lynford King, a pharmacist in York, warns that the drug should only be prescribed, bought or taken if the patient comes in contact with the swine flu.
"Just as over prescribing of antibiotics have lead to a resistance for bacteria, the same thought could be said for antivirals too," said King, owner of Medicine Shoppe. "If they over prescribe then one could assume the virus could mutate and become resistant."
He said the last thing that people should do is go out and stock up on the drug.
"You would be depleting the store of medicine that we would need to treat active infections as well," said King.
As with other cases of influenza, King says those with weaker immune systems like children and elderly people are more vulnerable to swine flu.
Health officials say its important to wash your hands often and stay at home if you are feeling sick.
