THERMOMETERS are hot property in Guernsey.

Island pharmacies have seen a huge surge in demand for them as people panic buy, checking for the first signs of swine flu.

‘We have completely run out. We would normally sell four in a week and we are selling four a day at the moment,’ said Mark Holmes, pharmacist at Lloyds Chemist in the Pollet.

He said it was not only individuals who were snapping them up but also groups of office workers buying a version, which checks the temperature from the forehead, to share.

In the UK, stocks of thermometers are being wiped out as people with flu-like symptoms are required to check their temperature.

‘We have seen a massive increase over here,’ said Mr Holmes.

They sell thermometers ranging from £3 to £5, but there are also electronic versions for up to £23.

‘It is similar to the uptake in face mask sales’ he added. ‘We are trying to get some more from the wholesalers at the moment but it is a real problem because everyone is in the same position as us.’