PHOENIX -- The H1N1 virus may not seem as ominous as it did a few days ago, but it’s still a long shot to find antiviral medicine in the Valley.

Out of 20 pharmacies randomly contacted, only one had the kids' version of the medicine Tamiflu, which is commonly used to reduce the intensity of flu symptoms.

Seven of the 20 pharmacies had limited supplies of the adult dosage. Some pharmacies said they wouldn’t have any prescription flu medicine until next week.

Dr. Jennifer King of Osborn Family Health Care in Scottsdale said she and other doctors should be careful who they prescribe the medicine to during this public health alert.

“In general, we're careful with all our prescriptions but now more than ever we are not treating people prophylactically," said King.

King said medicine like Tamiflu is only for people who already have the flu-- not for those who want to have it on hand in case they get sick.

"We do have people calling that are going be traveling and they’re asking for prescriptions. We are not doing that," King said.

Yet some doctors may, which explains why people like Bill Dawson had to go to 28 different pharmacies before one of them had Tamiflu for his sick kids.

One pharmacy in Phoenix even acknowledged that doctors were writing prescriptions for Tamiflu for themselves and their own families, even though they weren’t sick.

For her part, King said she has not written herself a prescription for Tamiflu.

“I’m just going to be extra careful about washing my hands for now,” King said.