Demand for OTC pain relievers and cough/cold products jumped prior to October-December and remained high during quarter due to consumer concern not only about flu but also RSV and additional COVID-19 mutation. US and Canadian firms marketing OTC drugs and supplements also will be offering additional signals on planned spinoffs of consumer health businesses.

Children’s Afrin regular and no-drip formulations reach US stores with consumers having choices between dozens of oxymetazoline nasal sprays available under an FDA OTC monograph. But products indicated for children was limited to one, Mucinex Childrens Stuffy Nose, and it’s for children 6 and up.

Sales of Waterpik oral care devices and Flawless feminine hair-removal, skin and nail care line also slowed during Q3. Those two and vitamin business combined for 6% drag on net sales, finishing flat at $1.32bn.

Rather than reflecting what’s coming in the way of spinoffs, leadership, product approvals or deal closings, firms’ July-September results will reveal influences from inflation and supply chain problems. Like manufacturers across industries, US consumer health product firms are dealing with US currency strengthening and potentially driving down revenues through losses in foreign exchange.