Asthma Council warns of 'February Epidemic'

The National Asthma Council has warned parents and teachers that 10% of students with asthma face a heightened risk of asthma attacks and possible hospitalisation in the first few weeks of the school year.

“The ‘February Epidemic’ is well documented both here and overseas, with a big asthma spike in children immediately after school goes back,” the council's chief executive Kristine Whorlow said in a statement.

“This is caused by increased exposure to cold and flu viruses when children return to classrooms and factors such as stress, a change of environment or allergens and less strict asthma management over the holidays.”

The council said research had found that asthma hospitalisations in Australia increased up to three times in children between children aged between five and 14 at the start of the school year.

To council has urged parents to make sure their children have an up-to-date written asthma action plan prepared by their doctor before the start of the school year.

It also recommended:

• That students get back into their "asthma routine" before the school year starts.
• That students have a reliever puffer and spacer packed in their school bag.
• Parents ensure children learn how to use their reliever puffer and spacer by themselves (if old enough) or with help.
• That students are encouraged to tell their teacher if they are getting asthma symptoms.

The council has also recommended parents give schools a copy of their child’s asthma action plan.