Baker Brothers Drug Co.

02/22/2026

🤧 Allergies vs. Viral & Bacterial Illness: How to Tell the Difference

With so many people dealing with congestion, coughing, and fatigue right now, it can be hard to know… is it allergies or an infection? Understanding the difference can help you choose the right treatment and avoid unnecessary antibiotics.

🌼 Why Are Allergy Symptoms Flaring Up?

Allergy symptoms can worsen due to:
• Seasonal pollen (trees, grasses, weeds)
• Weather changes (wind, temperature swings)
• Indoor allergens (dust mites, pet dander, mold)

Allergies are your immune system reacting to harmless triggers not to an infection.

🔎 Allergy Symptoms
• Sneezing
• Itchy nose, eyes, or throat
• Clear, watery nasal drainage
• Nasal congestion
• Watery or red eyes
• Symptoms that last weeks or months
• No fever

Allergies typically do not cause body aches, significant fatigue, or fever.

🤒 Viral Illness Symptoms (Cold, Flu, COVID, etc.)
• Fever
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Congestion (may start clear, then thicken)
• Symptoms usually improve within 7–10 days (longer for some viruses)

🦠 Bacterial Infection Symptoms
• Persistent or worsening symptoms after 7–10 days
• High fever
• Thick yellow/green mucus with facial pain (sinus infection)
• Severe sore throat with fever
• Symptoms that initially improve, then suddenly worsen

💊 Important Reminder About Antibiotics

Antibiotics:
• Do NOT treat allergies
• Do NOT treat viruses
• Should only be used when truly necessary

⚠️ Unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to resistance and unwanted side effects.

🛡️ Ways to Help Prevent Illness
• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when sick
• Get recommended vaccines
• Maintain a healthy diet and adequate sleep
• Manage stress

📍 Baker Brothers Drug would be happy to help you determine whether your symptoms sound like allergies or an infection and recommend the right over-the-counter medications to help you feel better. We are here to help!

02/21/2026

A true piece of Baker Brothers history.

This 1951 footage, narrated by Grady York, offers a glimpse into the early days of Baker Brothers Drug Co., a time when downtown looked a little different, but our commitment to serving this community was already strong.

For generations, we’ve been proud to be part of your stories; and it’s incredible to look back and see where it all began.

A special thank you to Donnie Lovelady of Lovelady Autoparts for sharing this piece of our history with us.

If you or your family remember Baker Brothers from years past, we’d love to hear your memories in the comments. ❤️

02/21/2026

Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke can save a life. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 right away.

❤️ Heart Attack Warning Signs:
• Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
• Pain spreading to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness

🧠 Stroke Warning Signs - Think F.A.S.T.:
• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

⏱ Acting quickly can reduce damage and save lives.

02/17/2026

Behind the Counter at Baker Brothers Drug Co.: Understanding PSAOs

After last week’s post about Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), many people asked an important question:

How do independent pharmacies survive in a system like this? The answer is that we don’t do it alone.

Independent pharmacies like Baker Brothers Drug Co. work with PSAOs, which stands for Pharmacy Services Administrative Organizations.

A PSAO represents groups of independent pharmacies when working with insurance plans and PBMs. Because small, local pharmacies don’t have the size or leverage to negotiate these complex contracts on their own, PSAOs help provide a collective voice.

PSAOs help independent pharmacies by:
• securing access to insurance networks
• managing complex contracts and requirements
• helping pharmacies stay compliant with insurance and regulatory rules
• supporting pharmacies through audits and changes in insurance plans

Simply put, the role of a PSAO is to help independent pharmacies remain part of the insurance system so patients can continue using their local pharmacy.

At Baker Brothers Drug Co., our PSAO is HealthMart, and they are one of the many behind-the-scenes partners that help us continue serving our community—advocating for our patients and keeping care local.

Next week, we’ll share why independent pharmacies still matter—and how choosing local care makes a difference not just for pharmacies, but for patients, families, and the communities we serve.

02/17/2026

🎉 Congrats to Haley Miller 🎉

We’re proud to share that Miller, one of our exceptional employees, was recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) at TCAT-McMinnville! This honor recognizes students in Career & Technical Education programs who demonstrate strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 GPA), leadership, character, and commitment to excellence. 

Haley was inducted as part of the cosmetology program, which is a testament to her hard work, skill, and dedication! 🌟 

Please join us in congratulating Haley for this outstanding achievement… Baker Brothers Drug Co. is lucky to have her! 🙌

By Katie Northcott, News Director TCAT-McMinnville recently honored 23 inductees into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). Find more details in the press release below. TCAT-McMinnville is pleased to announce the following new inductees to the National Technical Honor Society. Membership in....

02/17/2026

You’ll notice a big change at Baker Brothers…. We now have a point of sale system! Please be patient as we learn together! Huge thanks to our software and amazing staff for getting this system up and running.

02/16/2026

Protecting your heart starts with everyday habits. The American Heart Association recommends focusing on these key goals to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke:

🩺 Manage blood pressure
Regular monitoring and treatment help reduce strain on your heart.

🚶 Stay physically active
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.

🥗 Eat a heart-healthy diet
Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limit sodium and added sugars.

🚭 Avoid to***co
Smoking and to***co use significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Small changes can make a big impact on your heart health at any age.

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
We’re so thankful for our amazing community. We can always count on you, and you can always count on us.

02/13/2026

Y’all really SHOWED UP & SHOWED OUT for our Valentine’s cookies!! ❤️🍪 Because of you, we sold out by 3pm, but we have 100+ MORE available Friday, February 13th! 🥹🔥

Thank you so much for supporting our small business and showing us love. Every share, like, and purchase supports our team and their families.

02/12/2026

Love is in the air 💘💕🥰
Come get them while they last!

🌹 Rose Bud Vases – $10 each (arranged by Stone Fort Garden Center)
🍪 Homemade Peanut Butter & Thin Mint Cookie Boxes – $2 each (made with love by Dr. Sara)

02/11/2026

Shop small. Share love.

🌹 Rose Bud Vases – $10 each (arranged by Stone Fort Garden Center)
🍪 Homemade Peanut Butter & Thin Mint Cookie Boxes – $2 each (made with love by Dr. Sara)

Available starting THURSDAY February 12th at Baker Brothers Drug located on the square at 120 E Main St. Your hometown pharmacy since 1928.