The new school year is just around the corner, bringing with it the excitement of new classes, friends, and opportunities. For families managing allergies, asthma, and the risk of anaphylaxis, this time of year also means a crucial focus on preparedness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your child is ready for the new school year with an allergy action plan.
- Schedule a Summer Check-Up with Your Specialist:
Make an appointment with your child’s allergist or pediatrician well before school starts. This is the ideal time to:
- Update their Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan: Your child’s school may require your healthcare provider to complete a written document outlining specific allergens, symptoms to watch for, and clear, step-by-step instructions for emergency treatment, including when and how to administer epinephrine.
- Review their Asthma Action Plan: If your child has asthma, ensure their asthma action plan is up-to-date, detailing their triggers, daily medications, and what to do during an asthma flare-up or emergency.
- Verify Medication Dosages and Expiration Dates: Confirm that all prescribed medications (epinephrine auto-injectors, inhalers, antihistamines) are appropriate for your child’s current weight and that none are nearing their expiration date. Order refills as needed.
- Discuss Self-Carry and Self-Administration: If age-appropriate, discuss with your doctor and the school whether your child can self-carry and self-administer their medications. All 50 states have laws allowing students to self-carry epinephrine, but school policies may vary on documentation required.
- Communicate Proactively with the School:
Don’t wait until the first day of school! Early and open communication is key to a successful partnership.
- Meet with Key School Staff: Schedule a meeting with the school nurse, your child’s teacher(s), principal, cafeteria staff, and any other relevant personnel (e.g., coaches, bus drivers).
- Share Properly Documented Medications: Deliver all necessary medications in their original packaging, clearly labeled with your child’s name, to the designated school health office or nurse. Consider providing at least two epinephrine auto-injectors.
- Educate Staff on Symptoms and Treatment: Briefly review your child’s specific allergies, asthma triggers, and the signs of a reaction. Emphasize that symptoms can vary and that every reaction may be different. Ensure staff know how to recognize anaphylaxis and how to administer epinephrine promptly.
- Discuss Prevention Strategies: Work with the school to minimize exposure to allergens and asthma triggers in the classroom, cafeteria, and during school activities. This might include:
- Strategies for food-free zones or designated “safe” tables in the cafeteria.
- Handwashing protocols for all students.
- Managing food-related crafts or celebrations.
- Awareness of potential environmental triggers like mold, dust mites, or classroom pets.
- Address Field Trips and Extracurriculars: Discuss how allergy and asthma management will be handled during field trips, sports, and other school events. Ensure staff accompanying your child have access to their action plans and medications.
- Empower Your Child:
Age-appropriate education is crucial for your child’s safety and independence.
- Teach Them About Their Condition: Help your child understand their allergies/asthma, their specific triggers, and how to avoid them.
- Recognize Their Symptoms: Teach them to identify their own symptoms and when to seek help.
- Practice What to Do: Role-play what to do in an emergency, including how to tell an adult they are having a reaction and who to go to for help.
- Emphasize No Food Sharing: Reinforce the importance of never sharing food with others.
- Stay Connected Throughout the Year:
- Regular Check-ins: Maintain open lines of communication with the school nurse and teachers throughout the school year.
- Monitor Medications: Keep track of medication expiration dates and replace them well in advance.
- Report Changes: Inform the school of any changes in your child’s health, medications, or treatment plan.
By taking these proactive steps, you can help ensure your child has a safe, healthy, and happy return to school, ready to focus on learning and enjoying their school experience.
