It is the season when all so-so parents are replenishing their stores of children's acetaminophen. The really good parents did it months ago.

So Wonks Anonymous beloved and highly attractive spouse drew the short straw and went grocery shopping today. She reports back that she could not find straight Tylenol and so on because the shelves were stocked with Tylenol Flu Plus which is a witches brew compounded of Tylenol, pseudephedrine and God know what else.

Medical research - courtesy of Wonks Anonymous employers among others - shows that acetaminophen is helpful against children's fevers and that the other ingredients are either ineffective against flu or positively harmful. Prompted by valuable input from our legislators the Food and Drug Administration has declined to stop the sale and promotion of these products for children.

To promote such a product in the current situation is sociopathic. Tylenol Flu Plus does nothing for the flu that beyond what ordinary acetaminophen does. It is not a substitute for medical attention in the event of a serious case of the flu.

If your child is listless or irritable, has a persistent high fever or has bluish fingers or lips, see a doctor. If you do not think that you can afford to, do it anyway. Explain your financial situation. They can probably work something out.

Meanwhile Wonks Anonymous is still awaiting the arrival of civilization.