How to Help Prevent Flu and RSV? You Might Not Like the Answer.
Wall Street JournalNov 25, 2022
The Facts
On Wednesday, the US Dept. of Health and Human Services announced that it would be releasing supplies of the prescription flu medication Tamiflu from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), which keeps reserves of medicine and medical supplies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 9.3K have died and 150K have been hospitalized as flu season continues to rage across the country.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The Food and Drug Administration has made it clear that there is no systemic shortage of Tamiflu in the country — what we are seeing are temporary shortages brought on by a sudden surge in demand. Tapping into the Strategic National Stockpile helps to ensure that supply remains abundant. Americans have no need to worry about a serious and protracted shortage.
Establishment-critical narrative
The supply chain for pharmaceuticals in the US is built on a foundation of sand. While drug stockpiles are good short-term solutions, America has systematic problems with drug supply that are only compounding in frequency and severity. The economics of drug manufacturing, shutdowns, and other issues have contributed to this problem for years. The recent shortages have just revealed the extent of it to the public. The current Tamiflu release is only a band-aid solution.
