Shortage of generic Flu medicine hits Central Florida, increases cost

Orlando, Fla. — From coast to coast most hospitals and clinics are looking at a record number of flu cases.

Now the growing shortage of generic Tamiflu that affected parts of north and southwest Florida has moved into Central Florida, and experts say that's driving up the cost of treatment.

Dr Tim Hendrix with Florida Hospital Centra-Care told Channel 9 Eyewitness News, it is monitoring all supplies, including gloves and masks, as well as medicine.

Name-brand versions of Tamiflu are still available, pharmacists said, but it costs about $200 more than the generic drug.

Central Florida has already seen a spike in flu cases, and at least three deaths involving children have been reported across the state.