Alleviate Allergy Symptoms This Season with Rite Aid's Help; Rite Aid Pharmacy Offers Comprehensive Program to Help Manage and Minimize Allergy Symptoms

Business Wire, April 3, 2006

CAMP HILL, Pa. -- With the season's warmer weather, longer days and blooming flowers also comes the sniffing, sneezing and nose blowing of Spring allergies. No need to hide indoors because the season also marks the start of a comprehensive allergy program at Rite Aid drugstores nationwide, which is aimed at helping sufferers understand and avoid uncomfortable allergy symptoms.

With Rite Aid's help, the amount of sneezing, itchy and dry eyes, throat and skin, and foggy head can be diminished by following Rite Aid's information and tips intended to help even the worst allergy suffers weather the season. During April and May Rite Aid stores are handing out free informational allergy guides that educate patients about allergies - what they are, what causes them and how to treat them.

Did you know that there are big differences between allergy and cold symptoms? Did you know that pollen from plants with bright flowers, like roses, usually don't trigger allergies because the pollen is larger and harder to inhale? Did you know that every pet, no matter what the length of its hair, produces dander? This information and much more is detailed in the guide educating customers on why they are hacking, sneezing, sniffling and itching, and what to do to treat those symptoms. Every Rite Aid is also offering a free magnetic allergy tip and coupon book that can hang on the refrigerator, full of savings on items for allergy relief as well as tips on how to reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms simply by making a few changes around the house.

Rite Aid worked with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) to develop the eleven- page guide that recommends over-the-counter allergy remedies that work best for certain symptoms, informs patients about allergy questions to ask a doctor, provides advice on allergy prevention for children and gives tips for allergy proofing your home.

"Rite Aid is committed to offering programs and services to help our customers stay healthy and to educate them on solutions for everyday health and wellness issues," said John Learish, senior vice president of marketing. "At Rite Aid, our pharmacists are personally involved in finding healthy solutions for our patients, offering advice, recommendations and answers for health concerns."

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and according to the AAAAI is traditionally the height of the allergy season. Allergies are a body's over-reaction to allergens, found commonly in the environment. Allergens include pollen, mold spores, animal dander, dust, food and drugs. Rite Aid pharmacists and Rite Aid's allergy guide can help patients find out what is causing an uncomfortable allergic reaction and what the best way is to combat the symptoms.

Rite Aid's Allergy Initiative is part of a yearlong commitment to patient health and wellness aimed at offering patients answers and guidance on topics such as diabetes management, vitamins and nutrition, heart health, weight management and skin care.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE, PCX:RAD) is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with annual revenues of $17.3 billion and approximately 3,320 stores in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at www.riteaid.com.