Getting the kids ready for the new school year? If you have a child with asthma, you should add a back-to-school plan to make sure your child can get help with their asthma in the classroom and with school activities.

Remember these four important steps:

1. Get a back-to-school check-up. Doctors will want to check your child’s breathing and make sure you have the medicine your child needs. The doctor can also talk with you about physical activities like sports, dance, cheerleading and others that could affect your child’s asthma.
2. Get your child a flu shot. Flu poses a special health risk for children with asthma. They will have more severe symptoms, and it takes longer for them to get over it. It’s probably best to have your child’s doctor give him or her the flu shot.
3. Write an Asthma Action Plan. Your child’s doctor will write the plan for you. It includes information on what medicine your child needs, how your child should take his or her medicine each day, and what to do if it gets worse or an asthma attack occurs. You should have an updated asthma action plan every school year.
4. Meet with the school. For younger kids, you may want to meet with daycare workers, school nurses, and teachers to talk through the Asthma Action Plan. For older kids, check with the school to make sure your child can use rescue medicine at school when needed. Make sure homeroom teachers, coaches, band directors and other key people know your child has asthma.

Print this Asthma Action Plan to go over with the doctor at your child’s check-up.

Is your child’s school an asthma-friendly school? This checklist from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute outlines what key steps your child’s school should take to be prepared for students with asthma.

To learn more about Asthma and the Taking on Asthma initiative, visit our website!