According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “In 2021, 27.2% of all children had one or more of the three selected diagnosed allergic conditions (seasonal allergies, eczema, and food allergies). Seasonal allergies (18.9%) were the most prevalent, followed by eczema (10.8%) and food allergies (5.8%).”
If your child is in the population who has one of these conditions, here are three things you should do for them to manage their allergic condition(s) before the summer break.
Prepare for End-of-Year Celebrations
Many teachers will plan end-of-year celebrations for the kids in their classes. This may include a field day outside with games or a party in the classroom with lots of treats. It’s important that you ask your child’s teacher what they’re planning so you can prepare. For example, you can make sure you give your child allergy medication and that they have their inhaler on hand if they have hay fever and will be doing active outdoor activities. Or, if they have food allergies and will be around treats, you can remind them about food safety and pack some treats they can have in their backpack. Remind their teacher of their food safety plan, as well.
Pick Up Their Medications from the School
When you pick up your child on the last day of school, make sure you pick up their medications from the nurse, too. This way, you can have backups at home or at Aviation Challenge camp in Huntsville in the summer. You’ll also be able to check the expiration dates to ensure they have refills next school year.
Schedule an Appointment with Their Allergist
Over the summer, make sure your child sees their allergist or whoever manages their asthma. This is because your child’s school nurse will need new medical authorization forms and emergency action plans for the next school year. Try to do this at the beginning of summer, as the providers will book up quickly close to the next school year.
For more information about how to manage your child’s allergic conditions over the summer or to schedule an appointment with an expert allergist, call North Alabama ENT Associates today.