Update: In May 2021, AAFA updated its toolkit to incorporate resources to help schools better manage asthma while addressing COVID-19 prevention. The updated information includes:
- New CDC guidance on vaccines, physical distancing, cleaning procedures, and the American Recovery Plan
- New protocols for quick-relief medicines from the updated asthma guidelines
- Additional mask guidance, and more
Update: In September, 2020 AAFA updated its toolkit to incorporate feedback received from users, including:
- Additional guidance on face coverings
- How to choose safe and effective hand sanitizer
- Expanded resources
- The addition of asthma symptoms to the respiratory symptoms chart Is It COVID-19, the Flu, a Cold, Allergies or Asthma, available in both English and Spanish
Original post: In June, 2020, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America released COVID-19 and Asthma Toolkit for Schools designed to address the major challenges schools are facing in the 2020-2021 school year. School administrators, nurses and staff can use this toolkit to create an environment that can help protect students and staff with asthma, while preventing the spread the new coronavirus.
The toolkit includes checklists that will help school nurses and other staff create a healthier, more asthma-friendly learning experiences:
- Health and hygiene practices
- Medicines
- Environment (air ventilation and more)
- Respiratory symptoms chart (in English and Spanish) to differentiate between allergy, cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms
- Understanding asthma basics
- Information on asthma-friendly school settings
- Sample letter for school nurses asking parents for an inhaler and spacer to be kept at school
- Resources for administrators, school nurses, teachers and facilities staff
The free, downloadable toolkit includes easy-to-use checklists, recommendations on ventilation, cleaning and disinfecting, and guidance on face coverings, physical distancing and other measures.
Check out the full kit here.