Back to school is almost here, and for pharmacies that can mean more parents with sick kids in need of medicine. There are many bugs out there, both bacterial and viral, that will be sending kids to the doctor's office in need of medicine once they head back to school including strep throat, ear infections, sinus infections, and the flu.   

When a child gets sick, it's important that they take their medicine as prescribed. Missed doses or an unfinished regimen can cause a longer illness, which means more missed school and activities, higher likelihood of disease spread, and one unhappy kiddo. A study completed over 2018-2019 found that 58% of children missed between 1 and 6 days of school due to illness or injury. 

Luckily, pharmacy professionals have an effective, easy solution up their sleeves to help kids take their medicine the way it needs to be taken. By adding a favorite flavor, they can help improve the taste of hundreds of medications and help kids feel better faster. We've put together this list to help you prepare for some of the most important medicines to flavor now that kids are back in school:

Problems giving a child medicine can be the stuff of nightmares for parents. No one wants to be the one attempting to give medicine to a screaming, writhing child who is determined to keep their lips locked shut, only to have them spit the medicine out. It's a common problem that all too many people face; 60% of parents report that medicine-time with their kids is highly stressful.

For over sixty years, the people of El Paso, TX have trusted Alameda Thrifty Pharmacy with their health. Not only do they provide a full array of important services, the pharmacy team also treats patients like members of their "phamily." Without a doubt, the Alameda Thrifty staff truly cares for the community they serve. El Paso pride even shines through in the pharmacy's logo which features the mountains that ring the city complete with the El Paso Star. Dr. Laura Quijas, Pharm.D. gave us some insight into how the pharmacy started and how far they've come today.

If you pay a visit to Avian and Exotic Animal Care, you never know what kind of patient you might bump into in their waiting room. Birds, reptiles, and small mammals are all frequent visitors, but the hospital also treats wildlife and zoo animal species including kangaroos, lemurs, foxes, and so many more. People travel from all over the state of North Carolina and beyond to the Raleigh-based animal hospital to seek the high-quality, specialized care they provide. We spoke with veterinarian Dr. Daniel Johnson, or "Dr. Dan" as he's known to pet owners, to learn more about AEAC and the work they do for animals of all shapes and sizes!

Since 1950, Modern Pharmacy has been the place residents of Cheboygan, Michigan can depend on to keep their entire family healthy, right down to the family pet. By providing services customized to meet each customer's needs. the pharmacy operates based on the idea that wellness cannot be treated with a one size fits all approach.

Their staff made up of two pharmacists and seven pharmacy techs works hard to make sure that every patient is treated like family. On their Facebook page, the pharmacy shares the statement, "Lives depend on our job well done." With over 70 years of serving the community, the Modern Pharmacy team has proven that they not only take that job seriously, but also love what they do!