Ireland and Manchester United Footballer John O’Shea urges parents of children with asthma to prepare for the ‘flu season and the new school year ahead

The Asthma Society of Ireland has partnered with Manchester United and Ireland footballer John O’Shea to urge parents of children with asthma to visit their GP to ensure their child’s condition is controlled before returning to school this September. Children's asthma can worsen as the school term begins due to exposure to colds and viruses, excitement or stress and managing their own medication for the first time. Approximately 470,000 people in Ireland have asthma and children with the condition will lose an average of 10 days from school every year1.

With the current worldwide swine flu pandemic it is especially important that a child’s asthma is well controlled before returning to school. People with asthma are no more likely to catch swine flu than anyone else but if they do catch a respiratory infection like swine flu, it could add to any breathing difficulties they already have due to asthma.

Ireland and Manchester United footballer John O’Shea who has had asthma since childhood commented, “I remember as a child the excitement and stress of going back to school after the long summer break. This can trigger asthma symptoms and it’s not the best way to start the new academic year, especially if you play sport. It’s very important for parents to bring their child to the GP to ensure their asthma is controlled before returning to active school life”

The following checklist has been issued to ensure parents of children with asthma are prepared for the new school year.

• Schedule an asthma check-up with your child’s GP and ask for a personal written Asthma Action Plan (sample can be downloaded from www.asthmasociety.ie).
  
• Pay close attention to the recommendations issued by the HSE and the Asthma Society of Ireland in relation to swine ‘flu and be vigilant for updates regarding possible vaccination guidelines in the coming months.
  
• Check if your child’s school has Asthma Management Guidelines (sample guidelines for schools can be downloaded here).
  
• Visit your child’s school nurse, teachers and sports coaches to inform them of their condition.
  
• Check if your child’s school allows students to carry and independently administer their asthma medication.
  
• Ensure that your child’s school knows who to contact in case of an emergency.
  
• Good hygiene is the first line of defence against any type of cold or ‘flu - make sure your child washes his or her hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.

Teachers who have a child in their class with asthma are urged to:

• Enquire from parents about their child's asthma control and current treatment.
  
• Before exercise, remind the child to carry his/her medication.
  
• On school trips encourage the child to carry his/her medication at all times.
  
• Inform the child's parents if the child has an asthma exacerbation or uses their reliever medication while at school or during sports.
  
• Contact the Asthma Society of Ireland for a copy of their “Best Practice Asthma Management Guidelines for Schools in Ireland”.

Dr Jean Holohan, CEO, Asthma Society of Ireland commented, “Being prepared is so important for children with asthma returning to school. It is important to schedule a visit to your child’s doctor or practice nurse to ensure that their asthma is effectively controlled. Ask your GP for a written Asthma Action Plan that details your child’s asthma symptoms and medications and provides specific instructions about what to do in an asthma attack. Speak with your child’s teacher and sports coaches to ensure they are aware of their condition. The school should have best practice guidelines for children with asthma. With good planning there is no reason why your child should not have a healthy start to the new school year”
For further information call the Asthma Society helpline 1850 44 54 64.