Thank You, Pharmacy Professionals

Pharmacy professionals certainly proved their value in 2021, with the pandemic showing that there has never been more of a need for the unique role that pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy interns play in enhancing and protecting public health.

As ends, pharmacy professionals stand at the forefront of the effort to fight COVID- through testing and vaccinations. They met the challenge and served their communities diligently.

Winter’s advent is a good reminder that in addition to making sure that patients get their COVID- vaccinations and boosters, influenza shots are also extremely important, perhaps this year more than ever.

New results of a study conducted by the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine in Florida show that the influenza vaccine has the potential to provide vital protection against severe effects of COVID-19.

The study, which analyzed , patient records on a global scale, strongly suggests that getting the annual influenza vaccine reduces the risks of deep vein thrombosis, sepsis, and stroke in patients with COVID-19.

Individuals with COVID- who have been vaccinated against influenza were also significantly less likely to visit the emergency department and be admitted to the intensive care unit, according to the study results.

In this issue, we focus on influenza, as well as cough and cold, the trifecta of misery for many patients from December through March. Our Cover Feature looks at the many potential causes behind a cough that lingers for weeks after a cold and how to advise patients to self-treat or use OTC products, unless the situation is serious enough to warrant medical attention. This issue’s OTC Cases also focuses on nasal congestion.

Elsewhere in our pages this month, pharmacy professionals can find information on gestational diabetes, identifying chest pain, and the varicella vaccination.

As we close the book on another year of educating and empowering pharmacists and look ahead to , we want to thank you for your support and for all that you do to improve patient health. No matter what obstacles and opportunities await pharmacy professionals, Pharmacy Times® is committed to providing them with the resources they need to continue delivering outstanding care in their communities.

From our family to yours, have a happy holiday season and a healthy and safe New Year!