Do you have a case of the sniffles, Penn State? Well, if you’re looking for medication or cold remedy relief, you might be out of luck.

A trip downtown will do you no good this week since two popular pharmacies within walking distance of campus have run out of many cold and flu products. The empty shelves are shocking, to say the least, and pharmacy representatives at both locations seem just as drained as the current supply of pseudoephedrine in State College.  

A change of season means a change of symptoms for many, but this fall, it seems we’re all feeling a bit sicker than usual. Enter the Penn State plague, a contagious concoction of Thursday night partying and your average head cold that takes down even the strongest. Any Penn Stater knows this icky bug is currently running around campus, most recognizable in its purest form: a wet, green cough from your seat partner in Forum. 

Both the CVS on College Ave. and the Target downtown have run out of various cold medications. The most sought-after item seems to be Sudafed, as zero stock remains of this product in both locations as of Wednesday night. Plus, basic staples like cough drops, Zyrtec, and NyQuil are extremely scarce.

Staff at both locations said that empty shelves have been present for about two weeks, and a constant cycle of restocking and selling out persisted throughout the first month of the semester.

Looking for some meds to beat your case of Penn State plague? According to the staff at CVS, Friday mornings are your best bet for the almighty Robitussin and products alike. Target’s downtown staff also noted that restock of cold remedy products is most likely a Thursday night activity. While both crews answered restock questions with incredible patience, there’s currently no date set in stone for replenished shelves.

Keep an eye out, Penn State, as discovering a card of Sudafed tablets in State College this week is the same as finding that pot of gold as the end of the rainbow, only more valuable.

Disclaimer: If you’re feeling symptoms of COVID-19, be sure to get tested, wear a mask, and stay home from class! Penn State Flu is a much lesser evil than COVID-19.