For children with asthma, which is categorised as high risk, returning to school will be a huge worry for many parents
Over the coming weeks, schools across Ireland will face a significant challenge opening during the COVID-19 pandemic while implementing new strategies, policies and reshaping our children’s learning environment in a way we have never seen before.
While we don’t know the full extent of what to expect, some children and teachers will wear face coverings, there will be new vigorous cleaning routines, and when your child has as little as a sniffle, you will need to keep them off.
For children with asthma, which is categorised as high risk, returning to school will be a huge worry for many parents. Without COVID-19, emergency hospitals across the country see a considerable spike in asthma admissions in September and to help combat the rise this year, the Asthma Society of Ireland has launched a back to school checklist to help support parents of children with asthma.,
Alongside its Life alongside COVID-19 campaign, the Asthma Society of Ireland believes children with asthma will require “extra protection” during the return to education and their free download is packed with tips to help you prepare your child if you are concerned.
The checklist covers the basics from using the correct inhaler technique with accompanying videos, ensuring your child carries their reliever (usually a blue inhaler) and completing an action plan with your GP or respiratory specialist.
As asthma management is more important than ever, the download advises parents to familiarise themselves with the 5 Step Rule, to protect any vulnerable family members at home and to discuss asthma-related risks with their teacher, school or preschool.
As part of the comprehensive checklist, the Asthma Society of Ireland strongly advises children with asthma to get a flu vaccine when available in Autumn. It will be available for free to all children aged two to twelve and anyone identified as medically vulnerable during COVID-19.
The PDF is available to download here, and if you have any concerns about your child returning to school with asthma, you can free their Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64. Alternatively, you can text an asthma specialist nurse via WhatsApp on 086 059 0132 as part of their new Beating Breathlessness patient support service.
