Madrid, Spain – As children return to school,โ pediatricโข allergists are issuing warnings about potential risks for students with allergies and asthma, โurging vigilance regarding both โฃthe school โคsurroundings and seasonal health concerns. The Spanish Society of Pediatric Allergology and Clinical Immunologyโ (SEICAP) has released โคguidance for parents and educators โขto ensure a safe learning environment.
The return toโ classes presents unique challenges for children with pre-existing conditions. โฃBeyond typical environmental triggers,common school supplies-waxes,chalk,glue,and modeling paste-can โharbor โhiddenโฃ allergens like gluten,nuts,soy,or milk protein,posing a risk through direct contact,inhalation,or accidentalโค ingestion,according to SEICAP.
To mitigate these risks, SEICAP recommends teachers meticulously review school material lists for potential allergens and proactively seek safe alternatives forโ affected students, ensuring inclusivity โforโฃ all. Simultaneously, the institution highlights the coinciding timing with the annual flu vaccination campaign, typically in October, emphasizing the vaccine’s particular importance for asthmatic children due toโฃ the potential โfor seriousโ respiratory complications.
Parents are advised to consult their reference pediatrician to schedule flu vaccinations asโข part of a extensive preventative health plan for theโ school year.SEICAP’s key recommendations also include keeping necessary medication, including autoinjectors for anaphylaxis, โreadily accessible in backpacks; updating โmedical reports, especially after vacations; informing school centers about aโ child’s medical conditions; adhering to medication schedules โeven without symptoms; supervising proper โขinhaler use; reviewing school materials for allergens;โ requesting safe alternatives for activities; and coordinating flu vaccination with a pediatrician.