From the School Nurse...

Even children who have never had seasonal allergies before can develop them.

Your child could have allergies if he develops these symptoms: 

Sneezing

Itchy nose and/or throat

Nasal congestion

Clear, runny nose

Coughing

Itchy, watery, +/or red eyes

  

Watch the pollen counts - newspaper, Weather Channel, WeatherBug ­ Allergy and Pollen Counts at http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/hershey-pa/17033/allergies-weather/340416

Spring pollens that trigger allergies are from trees, grasses, and molds.  The pollen count is highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and again at dusk - when students are standing at the bus stop, riding the bus with open windows, walking/biking to school and during evening activities.  Pollens are tiny airborne particles that stick to hair, skin, and clothing. For that reason, it is helpful to keep outdoor clothing/shoes in one place in the house (away from sleeping quarters). Showering, washing hair, and changing clothes after being outdoors removes the pollens. Unwashed hair deposits pollens on bedding and pillows, rubbing pollens into eyes and nose during sleep.

If your child’s symptoms interfere with sleep, school, and pleasure activities, consult your health care provider (HCP). Prescription eye drops and nasal sprays may need to be part of your allergy arsenal if OTC medications don’t relieve your child’s symptoms.   If your child has a history of seasonal sensitivities, allergists recommend starting medications two weeks before pollen counts are predicted to rise.

If your HCP does prescribe medications, please use as directed for the duration of the allergy season. It is easier to prevent allergy symptoms than it is to treat them. Allergy medication given in the morning might not be working when your child comes to school during the high pollen times of day.

The Nursing Offices do not have any medications for seasonal allergies so if your child comes to school with these symptoms we can only offer water, hand / face washing, and cool compresses for irritated eyes. Please send your child to school ready to be a healthy learner.

Looking forward to a healthy and happy last two months of the school year.

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