Back to School

With return to school preparations underway, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland are aware that for children with CF and parents of children with CF this may be a particularly anxious time. Many children with CF have not been in school full time since March 2020. While home schooling ensured education continued, absence from the classroom may have resulted in the loss of some social skills and with COVID-19 restrictions and precautions in place some children may have developed anxiety about being in a crowded setting.

If you feel your child could benefit from speaking to someone to help deal with their anxieties, CF have a counselling grant that you can avail of. For further information on this please contact Samantha Byrne, Senior Member Services Coordinator on 01 496 2433 ext. 201 or email sbyrne@cfireland.ie

Aside from COVID-19, cystic fibrosis itself can play a part in anxiety returning to school. Children with CF may be more ‘noticeable’ in school because they may cough more often than others. In particular with the pandemic, this may be a cause of stress for your child. CFI would recommend talking to your child and to the teacher on how to best manage this. The teacher may wish to address this with the other children in the class, with the child’s and their Parent/guardians’ permission.

For children who are transitioning from primary school to secondary school, there may be added worries. Adjusting to a new setting, potentially new classmates and a new schedule with longer hours can feel overwhelming. Unlike primary school, your child / children will have more than one teacher and as such it is important the school is aware of your child’s condition so allowances can be made for any additional supports that may be needed. Many schools would have excellent and well-established procedures for passing on information, but it is always worthwhile checking.

As parents of children with CF you have learned to cater to your children’s needs. For many children / teenagers secondary school is the beginning of their independence. As a parent this can be an uncertain time as your child adjusts to a new setting while also taking control of their condition. Teachers can provide invaluable reassurance by making a special effort on a regular basis.

PRACTICAL HELP

In cases of advanced chronic lung damage and also during exacerbations, the level of lung function can drop significantly. Accessibility may become a permanent obstacle and concern for children with CF where climbing the stairs and walking long distances may become too tiresome. For example, an alternative to the use of stairs such as a lift or ramp should be in place where classrooms are located on second and third stories. Alternatively, arranging class time tables to ensure all classrooms are relatively close to each other can also help.

Frequent coughing fits will occur, even when a child is in good health. Teachers should be understanding in allowing the student to access to cool drinking water in the event of such happening. There are often small ways to limit the amount of coughing by a student. These could include having suitable seating arrangements where they are away from open windows and radiators. Also, ensuring that the classroom is as clean as possible to prevent the accumulation of dust particles is a great way to limit the large amount of coughing.

An allowance should also be made for frequent bathroom breaks for students with CF who may experience sickness from an upset stomach as a result of pancreatic insufficiency or related CF problems.

HOME TUITION

A number of children with CF will, at times, experience unavoidable absenteeism from school due to illness and hospital stays on occasion. Even children with CF who are well, will need to attend regular outpatient clinics and annual review assessments. For this reason, they may need additional home tuition in order to catch up with work they have missed. Home tuition is intended to provide education for children with a significant medical condition causing major disruption to their attendance at school. An application for home tuition can be made through the school at which the child is present. Forms are available from the school principal or from the Department of Education and Skills. You can also contact the Special Education Section of the Department at special_education@education.gov.ie or at (090) 648 4187.

FLU VACCINE

As your child prepares to return to school, you should consider taking up the offer of a free ‘flu vaccine to protect them over the winter months. All children aged 2 to 17 in Ireland will be offered a free vaccine from their GP or pharmacy. It is important that your child avail of it in order to protect themselves and other high risk members of the family.

Flu spreads easily and infects both children and adults. Most children who get the flu have mild symptoms. But every winter some children can get complications of flu. Children are more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu.

Children who are sick with flu miss days in crèche, childcare and school. They also miss out on their usual activities such as hobbies and sports. The flu vaccine will help protect your child against flu and reduce the spread of flu to others.

The vaccine is given as a single spray in each nostril of your child's nose. Your child can breathe normally while getting the vaccine. There is no need to take a deep breath or sniff. The vaccine is not painful and is absorbed quickly. It will work even if your child has a runny nose, sneezes or blows their nose after the vaccination. Most children need only 1 dose of the vaccine each year. Some children aged 2 - 8 years with chronic health conditions like chronic heart or lung conditions may need 2 doses if they have never had a flu vaccine. The doses are given 4 weeks apart. If your child is 6 months to 2 years of age and is in a high-risk group for flu, they'll be offered a flu vaccine injection. This is because the nasal spray is not licensed for children under the age of 2.

Your child can get the vaccine at your GP or pharmacy from October until the middle of February 2022.

FURTHER INFORMATION

CFI have published a leaflet on School and CF which you can download from www.cfireland.ie. If you would like a hard copy sent to you or your child's school by post, please contact the office on 01 496 2433 or email info@cfireland.ie

We will also be producing a 1-page insert on School and Covid-19 over the next couple of weeks. Please check our website and social media channels for more information on this.

Some general advice on returning to school in September 2021 can be found on the gov.ie

For information on the flu vaccine please visit www.hse.ie/flu

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland can be contacted by parents or teachers who may need further support and advice.