Going back to school, or going to school for the first time, can be both exciting and stressful for both children and adults. However, if your child has allergies, this time of year can be extra stressful since you are unable to control the school’s environment. At school, children can face allergens inside and outside, and it can come from food, pollen, bee stings, or dust. Because you cannot physically be with your child during his or her time at school, it is important that you properly prepare so you can feel confident about sending your child off to class. Luckily, there are back to school allergy tips you can follow to help ensure your child has a safe and healthy school year.
In order to take the additional steps to ensure that your child has a safe and healthy school year, check out these helpful back to school allergy tips.
• If your child is prescribed medication for their allergies, ensure that they take their medicine when prescribed and that they stay on schedule. Otherwise, missed doses can lead to an increase of symptoms.
• With all of the potential allergy and asthma triggers that can be found in schools, it is crucial that your child’s allergies have been diagnosed so you can determine which allergens to avoid.
• If your child suffers from food allergies, make sure your child always goes to school with a treatment option, such as their medication and/or an EpiPen.
• If your child is attending a new school, ask if you can tour the school at the beginning of the school year. This will allow you to identify any potential asthma and allergy triggers.
• Every day check the allergen counts if your child suffers from hay fever and is allergic to pollen and ragweed. Doing so will allow you to administer their medication accordingly according to the allergen levels of the day.
• If your child suffers from life-threatening reactions to insect stings or food, make sure you complete an anaphylaxis action plan and ensure that the school staff knows how to administer an EpiPen safely.
• Talk to your child’s teacher(s), and other school staff (such as sports coaches and the school nurse), about your child’s condition, needs, and their treatment plan just in case an emergency occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
To prepare your child with allergies for school, ensure their allergies are properly diagnosed so you know what to avoid, keep them on their prescribed medication schedule, provide necessary treatment options like an EpiPen, and communicate with school staff about your child's condition and needs.
Sticking to the prescribed allergy medication schedule helps prevent an increase in symptoms that can interfere with your child's comfort and learning. Missing doses may worsen their allergic reactions and lead to avoidable health issues during school hours.
Touring the school at the start of the year to identify potential allergy or asthma triggers can help you take necessary precautions. Additionally, discussing your child's allergies and emergency plans with teachers, coaches, and the school nurse ensures staff are prepared to respond properly.
Make sure your child always carries their allergy treatment, such as medication or an EpiPen, and provide the school with an anaphylaxis action plan if their reactions are life-threatening. Educate school staff on administering treatments in an emergency.
By checking daily allergen counts, especially for pollen and ragweed, you can adjust your child's medication accordingly to better control symptoms on high allergen days. This proactive approach helps reduce discomfort and prevents flare-ups during school.
Informing teachers, coaches, and the school nurse ensures they are aware of your child's condition and know how to respond in case of an allergic emergency, which can be critical in preventing serious health complications.