Allergies

With all the time your children are away from home during the school year, it is important that families work together with school personnel regarding their allergies or asthma to help prevent symptoms before the start or to act quickly when they do.

Asthma at School:

• Consult your allergist to ensure medications are working to their fullest and that asthma symptoms and triggers are well identified.
• Schools require written permission from a doctor to keep and administer medications at school, so make sure you have your consent forms up to date and signed for this school year.
• Inform the school personnel about warning signs of worsening asthma and your plan for how to deal with an asthma flare. Share your asthma plan with the school.
• Make sure your child and their teacher, school nurse, coaches and recess monitors have the proper information available in case of an asthma flare or emergency.
• Refill prescriptions and/or devices you may need to have a supply at both school and home.

Food Allergies at School:

• Inform the school, cafeteria, teachers and other school personnel about what foods to avoid and suggest that you be allowed to provide safe alternatives. Pack bag lunches and have your child avoid classroom snacks and sharing of food with friends.
• Send safe snacks to school whenever the classroom is having a party (birthday, holidays, etc.) so that your child does not feel left out.
• Advocate “no eating” policies on buses and in other settings where children are not supervised.
• Ask your doctor to provide a Food Allergy Action Plan.
• Make sure your consent to carry medications at school forms are up to date for the new school year.
• Refill prescriptions you may need to have on hand so a supply can be at both school and home.

Allergens at School:

• Consult your allergist to ensure medications are working to their fullest and that allergy symptoms and triggers are well identified.
• Make sure your consent to carry medications at school forms are up to date for the new school year.
• Refill prescriptions you may need to have on hand so a supply can be at both school and home.