Easy Access to Asthma Medicines and Flu Vaccines Can Keep Children Healthy

Highlights:

Asthma and flu are common respiratory conditions that affect children.
Providing flu shots and medicines in school will help to prevent asthma symptoms in children.
Asthma kids must be vaccinated annually as they are more prone for serious flu infections.

Children require flu shots and medicines to prevent asthma symptoms that could affect the regular attendance in school.//

The two studies were presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting.

‘Proper access to medicines and flu vaccines in school can keep asthma children healthy.’

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Viral respiratory infections are characterized by severe cough, runny nose, common cold accompanied by sore throat and fever. Unlike the common cold, flu is capable of causing severe complications in asthma patients.

Flu and asthma are respiratory conditions, while asthma people who get flu are more prone for severe asthma attacks says ACCAI.

The first study was based on the kids outcome with asthma when medications and equipments for the treatment were provided in school according to a bill passed in Missouri. School employees were also trained to administer bronchodilator treatments when required.

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Manoj Warrier, MD, allergist, ACAAI member said, “Schools that implemented the RESCUE program (Resources for Every School Confronting Unexpected Emergencies) had great success in being able to send kids back to class.”

“ Getting kids back to class rather than sending them home or to the emergency department creates improved health for our students and better academic performances, a win-win.”

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According to the data collected in 2013-2014 school year, 90 schools were found to use the equipment 1,357 times which resulted 86% of the children to return back to school and 11% were at home while only 1% were sent to the emergency department.

Similarly, in the 2014-2015 school year, 125 schools were found to participate with more number of equipments for treatment.

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Nebulizers, chambers, albuterol and other additional supplies were provided to schools which took part in the RESCUE program. This program was developed by St. Louis Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

The second study found asthma children to be vaccinated for flu higher than those without asthma. The research team reviewed the electronic medical records of the children in a pediatric hospital between the age of 2 - 18 years from 2010-2014.

Deepa Patadia, MD, ACAAI member and study author said, “During the 2014-2015 season, influenza vaccination rates were significantly higher for children with asthma (54 percent) compared to children without (44 percent), but were still below goal.”

“It’s important for kids with asthma to get an annual flu vaccine due to increased risk for complications with a serious infection like the flu. We still have room for improvement in getting kids vaccinated against the flu.”

The study also found low vaccination rates among children older than 13 years of age and those who were African American. In contrast, high vaccination rates were seen among children who were from Latino Asian ethnicity and who received medicaids.

The authors conclude that it is important for people to take necessary steps in minimizing asthma exposure.

Source-Medindia