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.  Learn more…

Get vaccinated
All children, especially those with asthma, should get a flu vaccination. Although, the H1N1 vaccine is not yet available, it’s important to remember that regular seasonal flu is a serious illness, and that the best way to protect you and your child is for the whole family to get vaccinated.   

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. Click here to download a printable version of this checklist.

• Schedule Asthma Check-up Doctor’s Appointment: 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 asthmas should be vaccinated. By protecting yourself against seasonal influenza, you also help further protect your child.
• Know About Prescription Assistance Services: No one should have to do without their asthma medications because of financial need. Three organizations are available to help:
  1) The Partnership for Prescription Assistance can be reached by calling 1-888-4PPA-NOW.
  2) Rx Outreach also provides information on their website: www.rxoutreach.com.

    3) Patient Services Incorporated: http://www.uneedpsi.org/cms400min/index.aspx.

• Asthma Action Plan: All students with asthma should have a written Asthma Action Plan that details personal information about the child’s asthma symptoms, medications, any physical activity limitations and provides specific instructions about what to do if an asthma attack does not improve with prescribed medication. You can download a printable Asthma Action Plan here.
Visit Your Child’s School Nurse and Teachers: All of the student’s teachers, coaches, as well as the school nurse and/or office should have a current copy of their 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: Idaho state law allows students to carry and independently administer their asthma medication under certain conditions. 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 parents to know the school’s past history of dealing with asthma episodes. Parents should confirm that school staff— including after-school coaches and bus drivers have been trained in responding to asthma emergencies.

The Lung Association has much more helpful information about asthma and children here, or you can call our Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNG-USA.