by Marwa Yahya

CAIRO, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Herbs and vitamins, which are believed to strengthen immune system, are on high demand in Egypt as the North African country is witnessing a record-high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

"Demand for herbs that are famous for nursing immune system is growing every day since the virus appeared in Egypt," said Mohamed Ragab, 43-year-old owner of a spice shop in Faysal street in Giza province.

Thyme, basil, ginger, turmeric, cumin, sweet pepper, and garlic are the most famous herbs and spices believed to strengthen the immune system, Ragab said.

"People buy large quantities of herbs nowadays for fear that a shortage will happen soon," he added.

In parallel with the high request for herbs, pharmacies are experiencing a severe shortage of supplements as people rush in and buy medicines in large quantities.

Mohamed Ihab, 53-year-old pharmacist, attributed the high demand for medicines to the fear of COVID-19 and the rumors circulating on social media about some vitamins that can prevent the infection of the pandemic.

The medicine market is disturbed with the insufficient supply of vitamin C and Zinc supplements which are very important for fighting acute diseases, Ihab told Xinhua.

Supplements were sold upon demand without prescriptions, but after the spread of the virus, any person who would like to buy these vitamins is required to present a doctor's prescription to curb the shortage of medicine.

Sherine Ibrahim, a teacher in her 40s, prefers to depend on herbs and vegetables rather than chemical supplements.

"They are healthy, natural and easy to find at reasonable prices compared with the medicine," the lady said, adding that her husband, who has some respiratory problems, couldn't find needed medicines in the pharmacies because of the shortage.

Mohamed Ousamah, professor of immunity and respiratory diseases with Cairo University, called on citizens to consult a doctor first before heading to the pharmacies.

"People mistakenly thought that medicines would prevent infection of the virus. But it's better to eat healthy food and to follow the precautionary and social distancing measures," he explained.

The professor urged the pharmacies not to sell any supplements without a doctor's prescription to avoid repetition of hiking prices and shortage of medicine.

Egypt's Medicine Public Chamber said on June 15 that some 200 pharmaceutical companies out of the country's registered 1,200 firms in the field have applied for producing 300 items of vitamins that are part of the anti-coronavirus treatment protocol.

Egypt has reported 56,809 COVID-19 infections, including 2,278 deaths and 15,133 recoveries as of Tuesday, according to the Health Ministry.

Medical experts said that Egypt is currently passing through the peak stage of coronavirus cases. Enditem

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