OHIO — There is a shortage of antibiotics used to treat common childhood illnesses, and the problem has parents and pediatricians scrambling to find solutions. Nationwide, communities are experiencing a surge of the so-called tripledemic: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu viruses and COVID-19.
Demand for the medications such as amoxicillin, cefdinir and clindamycin is higher than expected for this time of year. (See the FDA list of antibiotics in short supply). On Nov. 4, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert about the early and elevated respiratory disease incidences caused by multiple viruses occurring, especially among children, straining health care systems.
Dr. Shelly Senders of Senders Pediatrics spoke with Spectrum News about the scarcity of amoxicillin and the impact on his practice.
“We’re seeing that there really isn’t any amoxicillin available,” said Senders. “Amoxicillin is the medication that we use for strep throat. We use it for ear infections. We use it for pneumonia. It’s the most common, safest, first-line medication. It’s been around since 1958.”
Watch the full interview above.
