Cherry’s Pharmacy, a family-oriented pharmacy located on East 66^th Street, is one of the few pharmacies to cater specifically to the needs of children in the city. They offer custom-flavored medicine for even the most stubborn swallower, a strong knowledge base to calm stressed-out parents, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that charms parents and children alike. We chatted with Cherry’s owner, Charles Tabouchirani, about the pharmacy as well as the latest in flu prevention and treatment.

Can you tell us a bit about Cherry’s and its history?
It’s a pharmacy that specializes in child health. We are six years old and we’re going strong. We’re well-known for flavoring medications and custom-making medications to fit a child’s needs.

How do you cater to children and families? How is the experience at Cherry’s different for kids than at generic pharmacy?
We really don’t want to compete with chain stores. We have a different service, the overall atmosphere is welcoming, especially for a kid. We have a Thomas the Tank table and an electric train going around the ceiling. The first impression is very friendly, warm, and welcoming; the staff is extremely knowledgeable and we try to put ourselves in the places of the parents and the patients. We’re always available in person or over the phone and the phones are always picked up, you’re never shifted from prompt to prompt. Also, 80% of our business is deliveries throughout Manhattan, and shipping everywhere makes us more accessible. People, especially parents, crave information and access, and that’s what we try to provide at all times.

What is your favorite part of working and owning Cherry’s?
I’m passionate about what I do and I always loved working with children. My favorite part is being the owner of Cherry’s, especially in terms of creativity—I’m always coming up with new ideas for customer experience. I also enjoy just coming in to work and helping people. You really have to live the philosophy; Cherry’s Pharmacy is my second home.

As the fall season approaches, a lot of families are concerned about keeping their kids safe and protected from the flu. What tips would you give to parents to help promote healthy flu prevention habits in youngsters?
Always clean and wash your hands, soap and water works just as well as a bottle of Purell. When a child is at school, explain to them that you don’t share things like water bottles or each other’s lunches. Parents should also be able to teach their children the proper way to cover their mouths when they cough. Also, the flu season is November to March, so instead of being overwhelmed in the heart of the season, vaccinate your child early. Those are really basic things that can go a long way.

Are there any products or over-the-counter medications you recommend in particular? What is your go-to recommendation to combat the flu?
There’s really no one product; the flu is a virus. However, the thing that comes to mind is good hygiene, washing your hands, or pocket-sized Purell. One other product that’s good for older kids is a medication in the form of pellets called oscilloccinum; it’s really for flu-like symptoms; body aches, chill, and fever. Tamiflu is a treatment, not a preventative, but it’s always good to have ibuprofen or Tylenol on had for fever-like symptoms.

Are there any homeopathic remedies or defenses do you recommend for flu prevention?
Oscilloccinum is one of the most common homeopathic flu preventatives.

Since we live in the city and often commute to work or school, can you provide some tips on how to prevent catching the flu while riding public transportation?
I would say be careful when someone coughs or sneezes next to you; it’s tough when you’re traveling, so try to keep hand sanitizer in your purse, diaper bag or backpack. There’s no ideal way to prevent the flu, but proper hygiene such as washing your hands or using hand sanitizer asap is the best policy.

In addition to choosing their own medicine flavors, are there any other ways you encourage children to take an active role in their health at Cherry’s Pharmacy?
Selecting their flavor allows them to be a part of the decision-making process and is also a big part of having them take and respond positively to their medications. Also, depending on if they are old enough to understand our directions, we speak to both the children and parents directly so they can understand why they are taking their medications as well as how to take them. It’s very important to empower kids with that knowledge; it makes them compliant rather than having to force them to take their medicine.

In your experience, what are some of the biggest mistakes parents make when their child is sick?
The first mistake parents make is panicking, and of course the child senses that. Parents should tap into resources such as pharmacists to answer questions about medication and their side effects; lack of knowledge tends to create panic. Sometimes we encourage parents to bring them to Cherry’s and once here, we give the first dose and it goes over very well.

Cherry's Pharmacy, 207 East 66th Street, 212-717-7797, cherryspharmacy.com.