KUCHING: A growing concern over the rise in human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases appears to have prompted renewed attention to health supplies like vitamins, face masks and hand sanitisers.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to three pharmacies here to find out if it is really the case now.
According to PMG Saratok manager, Shimah Dahlan, previously essential items such as vitamins, sanitisers, and masks were already in high demand, particularly during times of widespread illness or health concerns.
“But due to the recent rise in cases of hMPV, there has been a noticeable shift in behavior among netizens. Netizens are taking precaution to stock up … to improve on their health status and enhance quality of life. Well, health is wealth,” she said.
However, PMG pharmacist assistant in Matang, Nr Nabilah Mohammad Saizan took a different view.
Sge said netizens usually come to the pharmacy to purchase basic remedies like cough and cold medicines.
“From my observation, there hasn’t been a noticeable increase in the demand for other health-related items such as vitamins, sanitisers, or masks.
“This might be because these products have become more easily accessible in grocery stores and convenience shops.
“The foot traffic in the pharmacy has remained consistent, with no significant surges. Interestingly, most customers seem to prioritise buying vitamins during the weekends, possibly as part of their routine to stock up on essentials for the week,” she said.
She added that awareness about hMPV is still relatively low among the general public.
“This lack of widespread knowledge might explain why it’s not a topic of concern or a reason for customers to seek specific preventive measures or treatments at the pharmacy yet,” she said.
A pharmacist at Alpro Pharmacy at Metrocity, Angeline Chong shared a similar observation, noting that most people come to buy medicine when they develop a fever, which often accompanies flu and cold symptoms.
“For many, their go-to medicine is Panadol, and we’ve noticed a significant increase in people stocking up, especially in recent weeks.
“This could be due to viral infections, particularly when their fever persists, and not just cases of influenza types A and B.
“We’ve also observed a growing demand for influenza test kits, with many customers purchasing them,” she said.
However, she said surprisingly, not many people are buying hand sanitisers or face masks, possibly because there are more affordable alternatives available.
“Medicines for flu, cold, and fever remain among the fastest-selling items at Alpro Pharmacy, driven by the high foot traffic in and out of the pharmacy,” she said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian recently said that Sarawak is closely monitoring the hMPV situation following a surge in cases in China and will implement necessary measures to safeguard public health
Meanwhile, Public Health Physician Associate Professor Dr Helmy Hazmi reassured that the likelihood of the hMPV causing a pandemic is very low, in contrast to Covid-19, which emerged as a new virus in 2019.
