Supporting School Nurses As Students Return To School

ADVICE FOR STUDENTS WITH ASTHMA

RETURNING TO SCHOOL - RIGHT OR WRONG?

Going back to school may be an important part of mental and emotional health, and this should be considered by families and students when weighing up the pros and cons of returning to school. Asthma NZ realise that this is a very stressful decision for parents and students, particularly those with asthma. Asthma NZ have provided a number of things to consider below.

ASTHMA NZ ENCOURAGE VACCINATION

If eligible members of a household who have not yet had the Covid-19 vaccination, the vaccine is currently the best defense against this disease and we highly recommend they get it.

There is no extra risk from getting the vaccination if asthmatic. If your students have concerns regarding the vaccine, please share the following resource on our website where they can carry out further research.

SCHOOLS ARE ASKED NOT TO CARRY OUT PEAK FLOW TESTS IN THE SCHOOL CLINIC DURING A PANDEMIC

Due to the risk of transmission of COVID 19, we would recommend that peak flow tests are not carried out at school due to potential risk of aerosol spread of Covid 19. Students should arrange to have a peak flow test at home and provide those results to you. Peak flows can be obtained from their GP or by contacting Asthma NZ.

ASTHMA CONTROL TESTS (ACT)

We would encourage a student with asthma to complete an ACT to gain subjective insight into their asthma management. Click here to download an example ACT test.

ASTHMA SYMPTOM DIARY

Designed especially for young people, click here to download a copy directly.

GOOD ASTHMA CONTROL DURING COVID 19

If asthmatic, contracting Covid-19 may put a student at an increased risk of having an asthma exacerbation. The best way to prevent this is through good asthma control. This is similar advice to an asthmatic who contracts Influenza or RSV for example.

Good asthma control can be achieved through :

Taking a Preventer medication as prescribed by a G.P

Ensure student is taking their preventer medication as prescribed twice daily or daily if on Breo.

Using a Reliever (Blue) inhaler when necessary. If they are not taking a Preventer, please ask them to seek advice from their G.P about commencing one, especially if the student requires reliever medication more than twice a week.

Check inhalers are not empty. When an inhaler is full it should feel heavy and when you shake it next to your ear it should sound like liquid moving. If getting empty, it should feel very light and when shaken to the ear, an inhaler makes a gritty/sandy like noise. Inhaler should be discarded and new inhaler started. Inhalers should not be used as they near empty, as there is more propellant than medication so this will mean less medication than prescribed. If in doubt throw it out once you have a replacement.

Carry appropriate emergency medication with them.

Check all medication is in date; fill repeat prescriptions if necessary or arrange new ones through the G.P. This can often be done without actually needing to see a G.P.

Use metered dose inhalers with a spacer (contact Asthma NZ 0800 227 328 if they don’t have one.)

If the students is unsure of device technique, please check with the G.P, pharmacist, or a nurse at Asthma NZ.

Follow the student's Asthma Action Plan, if they do not have one, please refer the student to their GP for one. Regular check-ups are important.

Make sure you know what to do in the event of an asthma emergency. For advice go to www.asthma.org.nz

If any students require a new spacer/peak flow monitor, emergency magnet or asthma action plan brochure or any further advice, please contact Asthma NZ directly. Free call 0800 227 328. Extra information and informative posts can be found on our social media platforms – follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You-Tube AT THE BOTTOM of this newsletter.

DO YOU HAVE A STUDENT TAKING ONLY SALBUTUMOL?

We recommend that they see their GP to obtain either a preventer or a combination medication.

DON'T SHARE / STAND IN THE PATH OF A VAPE EXHALE FROM A USER-

We know that vaping is something many young people are doing. Naturally we advise against vaping as we would prefer that the only thing that goes into lungs is oxygen. However, if vaping is something that YOU ARE AWARE the student is doing, please advise them not to share vapes and avoid standing in the cloud that someone breathes out.

We really encourage those with asthma who do vape or smoke to make this the time to give up. We realise that this might not be easy and remain committed to them breathing easy for life. If further help is needed, click here.

LOOKING AFTER THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Staying healthy physically, mentally and emotionally are important ways to strengthen the immune function. Eating well, exercising, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep and if the student is struggling with any of these, please reach out for support and help.

WHERE TO FIND HELP

Student's should not be afraid to seek support. There are helpline services available right now that offer support, information and help for the student, their family, whānau and friends. For support with anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, they can call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Mental Health Foundation has a full list of services available.

Helplines | mentalhealth.org.nz

TOP WAYS TO LOOK AFTER MENTAL WELL-BEING

There are a number of things we can all do to boost our mental wellbeing and that of our loved ones.

STAY CONNECTED

This is important for overall wellbeing and helps to make a person feel safer, less stressed and less anxious. We can support each other through the recovery, by keeping the connections and close ties to others that we forged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ACKNOWLEDGE FEELINGS

It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, worried or scared. Giving ourselves time to notice and express what we are feeling. This could be by writing thoughts and feelings down in a journal, talking to others, doing something creative or practising meditation. Talk with people we trust about concerns and how we are feeling. Reach out to others.

STICK TO ROUTINES

Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat at regular times, shower, change clothes, see others regularly, either virtually or in person. Meditating and exercising can help us relax and have a positive impact on our thoughts. Try not to increase unhealthy habits like comfort eating, drinking, smoking or vaping.

CHECK IN ON OTHER PEOPLE

Reaching out to those who may be feeling stressed or concerned can benefit both you and the person receiving support.

LIMIT ONLINE TIME

Students may find it useful to limit their time online. Check media and social media at specific times once or twice a day.

ATTENDING SCHOOL IN DIFFERENT REGIONS & LEVELS

Auckland, Northland and Waikato are currently in level 3, however, many other students have been attending school with safety protocols in place, which means now is a great time to look at being proactive around managing your ASTHMA. As different regions experience differing restriction levels, being aware and proactive around your asthma is key to navigating through the levels.

CORRECT INHALER USE

It is imperative that families and students are aware of exactly what inhaler they are taking and why? There is a big difference between relievers and preventers and it is crucial that families seek help from ASTHMA NZ around education but also for us to help re-assure you that you are following the prescribed inhaler use so that over-use does not also cause a bigger problem than what you are trying to resolve.

MAINTAINING DISTANCE

Maintain social distancing rules, wearing a mask when outside of the home, and practice good hand hygiene and use of the Covid-19 Tracer app are all tools to help can keep us safe.

DOES THE STUDENT HAVE AN ASTHMA MANAGEMENT PLAN?

Use prescribed asthma medication as indicated in the asthma management plan.

If they/you don’t have an asthma management plan, book an appointment with the family GP or School Nurse to get this in place as soon as possible.

To avoid the next point, make sure you have this one covered. Click below for more information. The Asthma & Respiratory Foundation have these available free in most languages. Click below for more information or click here to view what an action plan looks like for a young person.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY!

Always a good thing to know as we believe in being prepared for worst outcomes but expecting the best. Educate yourself on what you need to know as a parent or student. You can also print here a very good FIRST AID poster to hang in your school clinic.

REFER A STUDENT TO ASTHMA NZ

Asthma New Zealand nurse educators provide FREE education, training and support to individuals with asthma/COPD and their families, in order that they may achieve their desired goals. Click below and refer to us. GP'S, school nurse or even THE STUDENT can refer TO US FREE. Click here.

KNOW WHERE YOUR LOCAL ASTHMA SOCIETY IS

There should be help, advice and support in a town near you. Click Here

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Click here to seek a nurse educators help HERE