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Kick These Common Sickness Myths To The Curb For Back To School

Your kids will probably get sick this year, so you'll want to forget these common misconceptions about common diseases.

There are some conditions every kid has to deal with from time to time. Things like the common cold, a stomach bug, or pink eye are common afflictions. But is all your information about these diseases up-to-date? Here are some things to keep in mind.

You probably have a pretty good grasp on the common cold but there are still things you may not know. Consumer Reports suggests skipping over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. Research shows they aren't very effective and can have serious side effects for kids under the age of 6.

If your kid is vomiting or has diarrhea it's important for them to stay hydrated. But skip the sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade, they can be rough on their stomachs. Drinks like Pedialyte are much better for them. They also don't have to stick to a liquid diet. They can eat almost anything, just in small mouthfuls to make sure they can keep it down.

Kids across the country miss 3 million days of school a year because of pink eye. But Consumer reports says pink eye shouldn't be considered an emergency. So save some money and skip the emergency room. You might not even need antibiotics. The condition will often clear up in 6 days.

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