WAUKESHA, Wis. — Pharmacies across Wisconsin are keeping busy this holiday season as the flu, COVID-19, RSV and other bugs are in the air.

Dr. Scott Hoff, pharmacist and co-owner of Moreland Pharmacy, said antibiotics such as amoxicillin are hard to come by due to supply chain issues. 

“We’re trying to track down product,” said Hoff. “There’s a lot of news stories about shortages of general antibiotics. Amoxicillin is just in short supply right now.” 

He said currently, Moreland Pharmacy has the medication in stock, but if it does not, his team works with patients’ doctors to find an alternative. 

Hoff recommended getting flu shots and COVID-19 boosters, especially in the thick of the holidays. 

“It’s good for general health and prevention of the flu,” said Hoff. “It doesn’t guarantee you’re not going to get the flu but … if you do get it, the likelihood of you having a severe case or a long case is diminished.” 

He said the same goes for the COVID-19 booster. 

“It’s a newer formulation that’s covering a different strain … [than] we got with the original doses in the first set of boosters,” said Hoff.

Patient Kim Babe has had both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines and said she is keeping up with her health this flu season by drinking a lot of water and eating healthy. 

That’s another thing Hoff said he tells his patients: Treat your body with care.

“This is the busiest time of year for everybody doing everything,” said Hoff. “Best thing you can do is get some rest. Make sure you’re well caught up on rest. You’re eating, drinking proper amounts of fluid and good nutrition. Just give yourself the energy you need to fight off the bugs that are naturally around.”