As the swine flu scare continues, pharmacists say some people are hoarding Tamiflu. Weijia Jiang reports that could mean a shortage when diagnosed swine flu patients need help. The H1N1 flu scare is sending Marylanders straight to drug stores like the Joppa Rd. Pharmacy in Parkville. They're desperate for Tamiflu. "It's harder to find than gold," said Dr. Morris Mayer. For patients, bagging up the medication is arguably more valuable than gold, according to Dr. Mayer who's bombarded with questions daily. "People are panicking wherever I go. 'Dr. Mayer, you go to the gym? The store? Do you have it in stock in case I need it,'" said Mayer.

The medication is known to relieve flu symptoms and more importantly, to prevent them. But Mayer says to keep a national shortage from happening, reacting to the H1N1 flu is much more critical than trying to prevent it. "Right now, we are not filling prescriptions for people who are telling us I'm fine,

everything's fine. I just want it for emergency. If, God forbid, you are ill with it, we do have it for you," said Mayer. Mayer orders Tamiflu online at the distributor's website. Even though the screen may say there are quantities available, that doesn't guarantee anything will be sent out because the demand is so high. "They are limiting us everyday, only a certain amount at a time," said Mayer. Antibacterial gel and face masks are also hard to keep on the shelves. "Because of the exposure, it just makes sense to have the masks at this point and time," said Gil Heath, Parkville. But before you rush to get a prescription, state health leaders urge you to identify symptoms. You may not need to take any meds. "The first step is for the public to understand what's worth coming in and getting checked for. Certainly not to flood the emergency department or physicians' offices," said Frances Phillips, DHMH deputy secretary.  If you do have symptoms, pharmacists want you to call ahead so you don't show up at the store unexpectedly. That way you won't transmit the illness to other people.