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McMeen Elementary
Weekly Message from McMeen Nurse
04/20/23, 8:51 AM
Good Morning McMeen Families,
For my message this week, I thought I would share this great information a fellow DPS nurse, AnnMarie Conte RN, wrote about seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergies are here! Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, are allergy symptoms that occur during certain times of the year, usually when trees, grasses and weeds release their tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants.
The immune system of people who are allergic to pollen treat these particles ( called allergens) as invaders and release chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream to defend against them. It is the release of these chemicals that causes allergy symptoms.
Tree pollination in Denver usually begins in February and lasts through June. Grass pollination usually begins in May and lasts through August. Weed pollinations usually are in the air from July through September. Children with these allergies are more likely to have increased symptoms during those times of the year.
Seasonal allergies can start at almost any time,but they usually develop by 10 years of age and reach their peak in the early twenties.
There is no real cure for seasonal allergies, but it is possible to relieve symptoms. During allergy season, keep windows closed, use air conditioning if possible and change your air filter often.
In the Health Office, I can rinse eyes if necessary with tap water and give ice packs to apply to irritated eyes.
If reducing exposure to allergens isn’t possible or is ineffective, medication can help ease allergy symptoms. Please follow up with your child’s physician. There are many non-drowsy antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops available as a prescription and over the counter. Many of these medications can be taken at home once a day.
***It helps to reduce the severity of symptoms by starting medication about a month before pollination occurs and to take medication regularly.****
Please talk to your physician about what would be best for your child and remember that I need the Medication Agreement Form signed by the physician and you, in order to give medication in school.
Thank you!
Nurse Miriam
