Farmacia Rincón Shares Tips During Puerto Rico’s Flu Epidemic

The Puerto Rico Department of Health has recently declared a flu epidemic after a sustained increase in influenza cases across the island. While the announcement may sound alarming, health professionals stress that this declaration is meant to encourage awareness and prevention, not panic.

In western Puerto Rico, community pharmacists are seeing the impact up close. One of them is Dr. Vanessa Pozzi, pharmacist and owner of Farmacia Rincón. She has been practicing in Puerto Rico for nine years and serves patients in Rincón and surrounding towns every day.

During flu season, Dr. Pozzi’s role goes far beyond filling prescriptions. Much of her time is spent educating patients, answering questions, and helping people understand symptoms, medications, and when to seek additional care.

Below, Dr. Pozzi shares what she’s seeing during this flu epidemic and offers practical guidance for families in our community.

What’s Happening Right Now

Q: What has your day-to-day been like during flu season?
A: During flu season, we see a higher volume of patients seeking guidance, preventive measures, treatments for respiratory symptoms, and recommendations to strengthen the immune system. In addition to dispensing medications, we spend time educating patients about prevention, proper medication use, and measures to avoid contagion. As a pharmacist, my priority is to provide peace of mind, reliable information, and humane care, because during these moments people don’t only need medications, but also guidance and support.

Q: What changes have you noticed with this flu epidemic?
A: I’ve noticed an increase in influenza cases and more patients with respiratory symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, allergies, sore throat, and general discomfort.

Q: How does this season compare to others?
A: This flu season has been characterized by an increase in people with respiratory symptoms and a greater demand for guidance and treatment.

Symptoms People Are Reporting

Q: What are the most common symptoms you’re seeing?
A: Fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches, headaches, and significant fatigue. In children, we also sometimes see loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Q: Are certain groups more at risk?
A: Anyone can contract influenza, but some groups are at higher risk for complications. These include young children, older adults, people who are pregnant, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

Prevention Still Matters

Q: What are the most effective ways to prevent the flu right now?
A: The best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated every year, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoid contact with sick individuals, and stay home if you feel ill.

Q: Is it still worth getting the flu vaccine this late in the season?
A: Yes. The vaccine continues to protect against influenza and its complications. It helps reduce the severity of illness and protects the people around us, especially the most vulnerable.

Q: What preventive habits do people underestimate?
A: Simple habits like handwashing, covering your mouth when coughing, and staying home when you’re sick can make a big difference.

Q: What about vitamins and supplements?
A: Vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc can help strengthen the immune system, especially if someone has a deficiency, but they do not replace the vaccine or basic preventive measures. What’s most important is caring for yourself in a holistic way by maintaining a good diet, getting enough rest, and following healthy habits.

What to Do If You Feel Sick

Q: What should someone do at the first sign of flu-like symptoms?
A: The most important thing is to stay home and rest to recover and avoid spreading illness to others. Staying well hydrated is also important. People who are at higher risk or who have severe symptoms should contact their doctor as soon as possible. Antiviral medications can help if taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.

Q: When should someone stop self-medicating and seek medical attention?
A: If symptoms worsen or last longer than normal. It’s also important to consult a doctor if there is difficulty breathing, very high fever, severe pain, or any other concerning symptom.

Q: What mistakes do you often see people make when they try to keep up with their daily routine while sick?
A: Continuing with daily activities without resting can prolong the illness and increase the risk of spreading it to others. Another common mistake is taking medications without guidance or ignoring warning signs, which can worsen the situation and require medical attention.

Medications: What Helps and What to Watch For

Q: What over-the-counter medications are most helpful for flu symptoms?
A: Several over-the-counter medications can help relieve flu symptoms, although they do not cure or eliminate the virus. The most commonly used options include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. These are found in products such as Tylenol, Advil and Motrin, which reduce fever and muscle aches. To relieve nasal congestion, people can use decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, available in products like Sudafed, as well as in combination with antihistamines in medications such as Zyrtec-D and Allegra-D.

Antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine, found in products like Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra, help control allergies and sneezing. For cough, people may use antitussives like dextromethorphan, found in products such as Delsym and Robitussin DM, and expectorants like guaifenesin, available in formulations such as Mucinex.

In addition, combination products like Theraflu, DayQuil, NyQuil, and Alka-Seltzer Cold & Flu include several of these components in a single formulation and can help when used properly. Avoid duplicating ingredients, especially acetaminophen.

Most people with mild influenza can manage their symptoms with these OTC medications, and the illness usually improves on its own within 5–7 days. However, if symptoms become severe or affect someone in a high-risk group, that person should see a doctor. In those cases, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which can reduce the duration and severity of the illness, especially when treatment starts within the first 48 hours of symptoms.

Q: Are there medications people should avoid or be cautious with?
A: Yes. Aspirin should be avoided in children. Adults should be cautious with decongestants and anti-inflammatory medications, especially if they have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, including over-the-counter products.

Q: How important is it to read labels and consult a pharmacist?
A: It’s very important because many products contain the same active ingredients. Combining them can lead to overdose or adverse effects. Some medications can also interact with prescriptions a patient is already taking or with pre-existing conditions.

Protecting Others

Q: How long should someone with the flu stay home?
A: According to the CDC, a person should stay home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and while symptoms persist. The first few days are the most contagious.

Q: What advice do you have for parents and caregivers?
A: It’s important to monitor symptoms closely, keep children or older adults at home, ensure they rest and stay hydrated, and consult a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms worsen. Seek medical care if there is difficulty breathing, persistent fever, dehydration, or confusion.

The Takeaway for Our Community

The Department of Health’s flu epidemic declaration is a reminder. Take symptoms seriously, act early, and use prevention tools wisely.

Local pharmacists like Dr. Vanessa Pozzi remain one of the most accessible health resources in western Puerto Rico. They available to answer questions, guide medication use, and help families make informed decisions.

For reliable information, consult the Puerto Rico Department of Health, the CDC, the World Health Organization, or your local pharmacist.