The nation is experiencing a shortage of acetaminophen-containing cold medicines amid the surge of the Omicron variant and increased at-home treatment.

Local pharmaceutical companies have begun running an emergency production system to cope with the shortage of such drugs.

On Monday last week, the government announced a new policy to respond to the Omicron wave. Under the new policy, the government classified those aged 50 or more and people with underlying diseases with Covid-19 infection as the intense monitoring group and the general monitoring group.

As Covid-19 patients without symptoms or mild symptoms have to treat themselves at home, people are increasingly hoarding over-the-counter cold medicines. But unfortunately, some cold drugs are already out of stock.

People are rushing to purchase various types of medicines -- not only Tylenol Cold, a popular cold relief drug, but Theraflu in liquid powder and Coldaewon cough syrup.

Medicines targeting children, who have not been vaccinated, liquid products with an immediate effect, and disposable products are being sold out faster.

An official at Daewon Pharm said, “Coldaewon products are being sold rapidly due to a spike in demand, and some regions are suffering from a shortage.”

The official added that the company started running an emergency response system to extend the production hours, and some staff is working even at night and during the weekend to meet the demand.

Lee Seung-baek, a pharmacist in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, recommended having cold medicines and antipyretics at home as Omicron became the dominant strain.

“If symptoms such as sore throat, cough, or runny nose continue for more than three days, people should have a rapid antigen test.”