Warner-Lambert will continue its cold and influenza forecasting system this winter, following the launch of the service last year.
The Benylin forecasting system is organised by Surveillance Data Inc who have run a similar system in the US for 16 years. At a press conference on August 26, Mr Andrew Kress (Surveillance Data Inc), said that data from the FAN (’flu/cold/respiratory illness activity notification) system allowed pharmacists to manage stock control and “space filling” more efficiently. FAN provided three to five weeks’ notice of an “alert” period, when levels of colds and influenza reached their peak and up to 77 per cent of households could be affected. The system also gave information about the primary symptoms (as these varied between seasons).
To obtain updates from the Benylin forecasting centre, pharmacists can contact their local Warner-Lambert representative. In addition, information will be advertised in the trade press, Warner-Lambert says.