Well, if that’s not the reason for us encountering a shortage of a particular cough syrup this week at area drug and grocery stores, then it must be the cold and/or flu season hitting the LA area. (Extra Extra told us on Friday night that the first case of the flu was recently reported in the Valley – so maybe that’s causing the Robitussin run.)

First, we drove to our neighborhood Longs Drugs in Valencia on looking for a bottle of Robitussin DM. That’s the syrup that will quell our emphysema-like coughing fits without making us loopy. Out. And we didn’t want to try the generic “Tussin” – same reason why we prefer “Diet Coke” over the Ralph’s Select cola. Next, we drove over to a nearby Albertsons, and looked for Robitussin DM in their aisles. The big bottles were completely gone. We managed to snag the last 4 oz. bottle left in the store. The elation was a little like an addict finally making a score.

Hopefully this week, area stores will be a little more prepared for the Robo run.

Photo by Christine N. Ziemba for LAist.