One of the fun things they don't tell you about being pregnant is that, when you get the flu (and face it, everyone does, every year)? Yeah. You can't take anything. Codral, Sudafed; even Neurofen and common antihistemenes like Clarytyne and Zyrtec are off limits. It is a world of SO not fun.

So, last week, when the flu I'd been studiously avoiding all year finally hit, at five months pregnant, I wound up at Manning's, because poor, sick, pregnant me couldn't be bothered walking 50 metres up the road to the pharmacy I usually visit. I was really impressed. The shop assistant was lovely and friendly, and offered suggestions on what I COULD do and use with a sweet and chatty demeanour. When I asked about pregnancy-safe antihistimenes, and she didn't know, the pharmacist did, instantly, without having to pause, look anything up, or even blink. The service was great, and friendly, and the prices were fine--perfectly standard. I'll definitely go back there again, especially with the super-convenient location (right across from the station, and next to the new medical centre!)