Summer of discontent sees demand soar for flu fixes

PHARMACISTS across Ireland have seen sales of traditional winter cold remedies rocket as the dismal summer weather causes people to catch colds and flu.

Chemists said demand was at levels normally seen at the onset of winter — even though July is normally the best month for summer weather.

Last week, British-based chemists chain Boots, which also operates stores in Ireland, said demand for winter remedies was up 247% on normal July levels.