Back-to-school season is a frantic and fun time for families. New schedules, new supplies, and reconnecting with old friends are all part of the excitement. But for parents dealing with allergies, asthma, or other chronic health issues, it seems anything but. Supporting wellness for kids with chronic conditions at school can make all the difference. A little planning ahead can go a long way in keeping your child safe, secure, and healthy all school year long.
Handling Allergies at School
Allergies are prevalent in children, and they vary from mild seasonal sniffles (from pollen, pet dander and mould) to life-threatening food allergies1. Here’s what parents should do to be ready:
- Antihistamines and nasal sprays: Over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays may ease symptoms such as sneezing, runny eyes, and congestion. Your pharmacist can recommend the correct one as per your child’s age.
- EpiPen awareness: If your child has a life-threatening allergy, ensure their EpiPen is current and that staff and teachers understand how to administer it in an emergency.
- School communication: Give the school clear instructions about your child’s allergy, such as foods or triggers to avoid. A written plan can prevent serious emergencies.
- Check with your pharmacist: If you’re unsure about dosing, product safety, or managing daily allergies, your pharmacist is only a phone call away.
A big part of allergy prevention is being proactive. Make sure all medication is current, your child knows how to recognise early symptoms2, and the school has your emergency plan.
Treating Asthma: Inhalers and Daily Readiness
For parents with asthmatic children, back-to-school season is an excellent opportunity to go over medications and technique. Supporting wellness for kids with chronic conditions at school means ensuring asthma care is a priority. Kids can be taught to be self-sufficient in this regard, but regular advice can help them remain on top of the issue:
- Check expiration dates: Ensure puffers and spacers are not expired before the school year starts.
- Proper asthma inhaler technique: Most children (and even some adults) don’t use inhalers properly, which can decrease its effectiveness. Your pharmacist can explain the proper steps to your child and provide a quick reminder.
- Asthma action plan: Explain your child’s asthma care plan to teachers, coaches, and school staff so they understand what to do in the event of a flare-up.
Effective asthma control ensures fewer sick days, more energy, and self-confidence in school activities.
When to Keep a Sick Child at Home
If your child is not feeling well, when should you keep them home? Here are some guidelines:
- High Fever: Keep them home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medicine.
- Vomiting or diarrhea: Keep them home for 24 hours after symptoms have gone away to avoid spreading stomach bugs.
- Severe cough or fatigue: If your child is too tired to participate in class, a rest day is best.
- Uncertain symptoms: When you’re not sure if it’s safe to send them, ask your pharmacist for advice on managing symptoms at home.
Pharmacists can also recommend over-the-counter options for fever, congestion, or an upset stomach that can help your child feel better faster.
Beyond the Basics: Supporting Family Health
Back-to-school health goes beyond allergies and asthma. Many kids have other needs to consider too:
- Managing diabetes: Managing diabetes: Ensure your child has supplies on hand and that staff are aware of their care plan.
- Skin care: Pimples, dryness, or rashes can make a child feel self-conscious. Your pharmacist can suggest soothing, effective treatments.
- Daily wellness: Sleep, fluid intake, and nutrition all contribute to a healthy immune system and fewer sick days.
Taking care of these little but significant details makes children feel at ease and cared for.
Why Check In with Your Pharmacy
Your pharmacists are your allies in family health. They can:
- Refill prescriptions and verify expiry dates.
- Discuss proper asthma inhaler techniques with your child.
- Offer advice on dealing with allergies or selecting the ideal over-the-counter options.
- Assist with conditions such as eczema, acne, or diabetes.
- Help you develop a customised back-to-school health plan.
You don’t have to make an appointment, and most of your smaller issues can be treated in the pharmacy itself, avoiding an unnecessary doctor visit.
Get Your Family Ready for a Healthy School Year
Your children need more than books and backpacks before the school year starts. They should have access to tools that can maintain their health. By staying on top of allergy prevention, asthma care, and sick day basics, you’ll feel confident knowing your child is supported at home and at school.
Visit a Sunshine Drugs Pharmacy location today to learn more about supporting wellness for kids with chronic conditions at school. Prepare your family for a healthy and successful school year.
References
[1] Food Allergy Canada. (n.d.). Food allergy FAQs. Retrieved from https://foodallergycanada.ca/food-allergy-basics/food-allergies-101/food-allergy-faqs/
[2] Asthma Canada. (n.d.). Allergies and asthma. Retrieved from https://asthma.ca/get-help/allergies-and-asthma/