Going back to school (or daycare) can be an exciting time for both children and parents. However, parents should remember going back to school (or daycare) exposes their child to viruses, indoor allergens in the classroom, and seasonal changes in temperature. Any of these factors could cause your child’s asthma to flare up. Here are some tips on how to manage your child’s asthma as they go back to school (or daycare).
- Schedule a check-up with your child’s healthcare provider. To ensure that your child’s asthma continues to be managed effectively. Create or update your child’s Asthma Action Plan and make sure that the school nurse has a copy of the most recent version.
- Talk with your child’s teachers. To be sure your child’s teachers know about your child’s asthma and know what steps to take if an asthma event occurs at school/daycare. Think about whether certain classroom activities are likely to expose your child to allergens that may set off asthma symptoms, and then work with teachers to reduce exposure to these allergens.
- Review your child’s medications. Check the expiration dates on your child’s asthma medications and renew prescriptions if necessary. Make sure that your child is taking daily asthma controller medication as prescribed, even if they are not having symptoms, as some children’s asthma symptoms improve during the summer and then return in the fall and winter.
- Schedule a flu shot. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months get a flu shot. Respiratory infections, such as the flu, are one of the most common asthma triggers, so protecting your child against influenza can be important for their asthma health.
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