Helping kids with asthma prepare for school and flu

Your asthmatic child and swine flu

If you have a child with asthma, he'll be particularly at risk from swine flu now he's back at school, where he's more likely to come into contact with sick children. Children with asthma are at greater risk from influenza, and this year, the presence of H1N1 virus (swine flu) and regular seasonal flu mean the need to prepare is even greater. But the American Lung Association has tips to help you prepare so your asthmatic child can stay healthy at school if there is a local flu or swine flu outbreak...

Wash up

Good hygiene is the best and first line of defense against any type of cold or flu. Make sure your child washes his or her hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing. They should also cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing - get them into the habit of doing so into their sleeve rather than their hand, so that germs aren't transferred via their hands after a sneeze.

Get vaccinated against seasonal flu

All children, especially those with asthma, should get a flu vaccination. Although, the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine is not yet available, it’s important to remember that regular seasonal flu is a serious illness, especially for those children who have an underlying respiratory illness such as asthma. The best way to protect you and your child is for the whole family to get vaccinated. Ask at your local county health department about flu clinics for children.

Stay informed

The potential severity of the H1N1 virus this fall remains uncertain at this time. Parents of children with asthma should be on the lookout for guidance from public health officials. Special recommendations may be issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children who are at greater risk for complications from influenza.

It’s recommended that a child who has a fever or other flu-like symptoms, should stay home and not return to school for at least 24 hours after their fever or signs of fever are no longer present.

Back to school checklist

To better prepare you and your child with asthma to go back to school, the Lung Association recommends you complete this checklist:

• Schedule an asthma check-up Even if your child’s asthma is well managed, scheduling a check up with your pediatrician is critical to ensuring your child’s asthma continues to be effectively controlled. This is also an opportunity to evaluate medications and physical activity restrictions.
• Vaccinate yourself and your child against seasonal influenza. The CDC recommends caregivers and household contacts of anyone in a risk group including children with asthma should be vaccinated. By protecting yourself against seasonal influenza, you also help further protect your child.
• Have an asthma action plan Compile a written Asthma Action Plan that details personal information about your child’s asthma symptoms, medications, any physical activity limitations and that also provides specific instructions about what to do if an asthma attack doesn't improve with prescribed medication. 
• Visit your child’s school nurse and teachers All of your child's teachers and coaches, as well as the school nurse and/or office should have a current copy of his Asthma Action Plan. Discuss with your child’s teachers specific triggers and typical symptoms so that they can be prepared to effectively assist your child should an asthma attack occur during the school day.
• Advocate for your child It is also important to learn if your child’s school allows students to carry and independently administer their asthma medication. Some schools require students to carry a note from their doctor. Learn what steps need to be taken to have your child carry and use their inhaler if recommended by their doctor.
• Know your school’s asthma emergency plan Ensure that your child’s school knows how to contact you in case of an emergency. It is also important for you to know the school’s past history of dealing with asthma episodes. You should confirm that school staff (including after-school coaches and bus drivers) have been trained in responding to asthma emergencies.
  

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