If you're in lockdown and wondering how to get hold of paracetamol and other essential health supplies, we've got you. In this article, we've pulled together some information about where you can buy things like paracetamol (that's acetaminophen to US readers) and flu treatments that could help ease the symptoms of coronavirus.
While you're reading through our suggestions it's important to note that there's currently no medicine that can specifically treat coronavirus (although coronavirus home test kits are coming to the UK soon, we're told). These medicines could help you feel better though, and it might be a good idea to stock up while you're still feeling healthy.
Coronavirus symptoms are typically similar to those you'd get with flu and other winter bugs like the common cold: a persistent cough, fever, and body aches. Some people will also experience breathing troubles.
Currently, paracetamol (rather than ibuprofen) is the painkiller the NHS recommends if you're suffering from coronavirus. The NHS tweeted (opens in new tab): "There is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make #coronavirus worse. But until we have more info, take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you."
In this article, you'll find links to basic paracetamol, tissues and other useful flu treatments that can help, whether you find yourself coming down with the symptoms of coronavirus or just a common cold. We have separate articles dedicated to where you can still get hold of hand sanitizer, toilet paper and thermometers.
Please be considerate of others when making a purchase and avoid stockpiling. Read on for quick links to retailers where you can buy paracetamol, tissues and more.
Important: Please make sure you read the enclosed leaflets provided with each medicine thoroughly. Use any medical products responsibly and make sure you’re aware of the recommended daily dosages: many of these products contain the same active ingredients, so make sure you don't accidentally double up.
Top places to buy paracetamol, cough and flu treatment
These are the places it's worth checking first, and information about what they're offering in terms of delivery right now.
- Chemist.co.uk (opens in new tab) – Cold, fever and flu treatments
- Tesco.com (opens in new tab) – Range of basic painkillers including paracetamol, available for delivery
- Pharmacy First UK (opens in new tab) – Still delivering, 10-14 day delivery period
- The Independent Pharmacy UK (opens in new tab) – Many items currently out of stock
- Amazon.com (opens in new tab) – Wide selection of strepsils, vitamins, and chest rubs
- Walmart.com (opens in new tab) – Cold and flu relief from $1.98
- Staples.com (opens in new tab) – Cleaning wipes, soaps and detergents
- Walgreens.com (opens in new tab) – Extra 15% off with code HEALTH15
Here are the places we'd usually recommend. At time of writing, there were issues with supply or delivery, but it might be worth double-checking.
- Superdrug UK (opens in new tab) – Most items 'click and collect' only; enter your location to see availability
- Boots UK (opens in new tab) – Long virtual queue to access the site
- Lloyds Pharmacy UK (opens in new tab) – Orders temporarily paused
- Waitrose.com (opens in new tab) – Delivery and 'click and collect' currently unavailable
Paracetamol and flu treatment in the UK
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(opens in new tab)Acetaminophen and flu treatment in the US
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(opens in new tab)General advice for flu treatment
If you're in the UK and thinking about buying medicine online, please take note that this should only be done through regulated vendors that meet the standards of the General Pharmaceutical Council. Fully licensed vendors will have a green distance selling logo on their website – which you can click to make sure that the vendor is operating legally. All of the merchants included in this article meet these criteria and are fully licensed.
Please also make sure you're reading any attached leaflet or medical information that is included with any medication you may buy online. It's important to note that many of these medicines contain the same active ingredients (paracetamol) and therefore should not be taken in conjunction with one another.
Found yourself coming down with the flu or flu-like symptoms? The UK national health service has laid out the steps that it believes are most effective when dealing with flu-like symptoms:
- Get plenty of rest and sleep
- Stay warm inside
- Take medication responsibly to deal with any aches or pains
- Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water
Note: It's extremely important to make sure you're also taking the necessary steps to self-isolate in the case of coronavirus. More information on self-isolating can be found here (opens in new tab).
- NHS UK (opens in new tab) - Information on the flu
- NHS UK (opens in new tab) - Information on coronavirus
- NHS UK (opens in new tab) - Buying medication online safely
- NHS UK (opens in new tab)- Information on self-isolating
