6 practical strategies for surviving cold and flu season

In this article:

• When is cold and flu season?
• How to prepare
• The bottom line

In this article

• When is cold and flu season?
• How to prepare
• The bottom line

As students head back to school and the weather begins to cool, cold and flu season is just around the corner—a time that often brings long lines, packed appointment schedules, and a surge in questions at the pharmacy counter. Pharmacy staff are already preparing for a rush of flu shot appointments, Tamiflu prescriptions, and requests for over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu remedies. With the right preparation, your pharmacy can manage the influx smoothly while continuing to provide high-quality patient care.

When is cold and flu season?

Up to 41 million cases of the flu and over 1 billion cases of the common cold occur each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While cold and flu season typically peaks between December and February, cases can begin as early as September. Patients may arrive with their first round of the sniffles, or stop in for a flu shot, well before the official peak. 

By preparing early, pharmacies can better manage the increased demand, ensure adequate staffing and supply levels, and maintain a healthier environment for both patients and employees throughout the season.

How to prepare your pharmacy

Proactive preparation is key to handling the surge of patients during cold and flu season, such as keeping shelves stocked and expanding vaccination access. Here are six strategies to help your pharmacy stay ahead:

1. Stock up on vaccines and medications

Flu shots are one of the most in-demand services during this time of year. Check the CDC’s latest recommendations for seasonal flu vaccines and place orders early with wholesalers to avoid shortages.

In addition to vaccines, be prepared for higher prescription volume for antivirals, like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir). Reviewing last year’s dispensing trends can help you estimate supply needs. 

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Don’t forget over-the-counter (OTC) products. Many patients seek relief with fever reducers, cough suppressants, decongestants, and combination cold remedies. Some patients may even stock up on these products in advance to prepare for the season. 

2. Offer non-medicinal essentials

Cold and flu care goes beyond prescriptions. Position your pharmacy as a one-stop shop by stocking supportive items such as:

• Tissues 
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfectant wipes
• Thermometers 
• Electrolyte drinks

These essentials add convenience for patients while boosting front-of-store sales.

3. Expand vaccine access

Pharmacies are a trusted and convenient place for annual flu vaccines, often available starting in September. To meet demand:

• Offer evening and weekend appointments for working patients.
• Provide simple scheduling options (online, by phone, or in person).
• Ensure adequate staffing.

You can designate pharmacists for vaccinations while others manage dispensing to keep prescription pickup lines moving.

4. Refresh staff knowledge and patient education

Encourage pharmacists and technicians to review the latest guidance on OTC cold remedies, including indications, contraindications, and safety warnings. Staff should also know exactly where products are located to answer patient questions quickly.

Pharmacists can also reinforce prevention habits with patients, including:

• Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water
• Staying home when sick
• Avoiding close contact with others who are ill
• Covering coughs and sneezes

This positions your pharmacy as both a treatment provider and a trusted source of public health guidance.

5. Create a consistent cleaning protocol

High-touch surfaces in pharmacies see constant traffic. The CDC recommends frequent cleaning of counters, shelves, and doorknobs to reduce germ spread. This is especially important in the pharmacy, where there is more exposure to sick people than usual. A daily cleaning checklist with assigned roles can help staff maintain a safer environment for patients and colleagues. 

6. Plan for adequate staffing

Cold and flu season brings heavier workloads and, ironically, higher risk of staff absences due to illness. Build schedules with flexibility in mind by arranging for on-call technicians or pharmacists. Proactive staffing ensures smoother operations, shorter wait times, and better patient experiences.

The bottom line

Cold and flu season is one of the busiest times of year for pharmacies, bringing a surge in prescriptions, vaccine appointments, and patient questions. You can prep your pharmacy by making sure your pharmacy is stocked up on cold and flu necessities, increasing access to vaccinations, familiarizing staff with OTC cold and flu remedies, creating a pharmacy cleaning schedule, and ensuring adequate staffing. 

With the right preparation, pharmacists are not only equipped to manage the seasonal rush but also to play a vital role in keeping their communities healthier through the months ahead.