April 14, 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians,  

Spring is finally here, and as most of you know, so is allergy season! In partnership with our Medical Director, the Health Office would like to make the following recommendations to help navigate these upcoming weeks. 

Common seasonal allergy symptoms include sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and a stuffy or runny nose. Some people also experience itchy skin or hives, headache and fatigue. 

Effective over the counter treatments include:

• 🤧 Nasal saline sprays
• 💊 2nd generation oral antihistamines (which last longer and cause less drowsiness) such as Zyrtec/cetirizine, Claritin/loratadine, Allegra/fexofenadine or Xyzal/levocetirizine.
• 👃Inhaled nasal corticosteroids, such as Flonase or Nasonex; these should be used CONSISTENTLY for maximum efficacy and taken 1-2 weeks to reach full effect
• 😭Antihistamine eye drops, such as Zaditor/ketotifen or Pataday/olopatadine

If spring allergies trigger you or your child’s asthma or reactive airway disease, ensure you are prepared at home and school with the appropriate inhaler.

Decreasing contact with outdoor allergens can help relieve symptoms. Strategies include: using A/C versus opening windows, washing hands after being outdoors and showering/bathing at the end of the day (especially before getting into bed).

Lastly, if you or your child has a KNOWN history of seasonal allergies, medications ideally should start 2 weeks before the season begins.  Please consult with your primary care provider before beginning any medications. If your child requires medications during school hours, please visit our web page here for the Medication Authorization form for each school. 

Have a wonderful spring, 

The Health Office 😊