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During the COVID-19 pandemic, asthma treatments using inhalers with spacers are preferred over nebulizer treatments whenever possible. It isn’t certain whether aerosols generated by nebulizer treatments are potentially infectious, since there have not been enough scientific studies yet.
If using an inhaler is not possible, childcare centers should have and use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff who administer nebulizer treatments. PPE that should be used when administering nebulizer treatments to students with asthma consists of gloves, medical or surgical facemasks and eye protection. During this COVID-19 pandemic, if a nebulizer treatment or use of peak flow meter is necessary at a childcare center for a student, the treatment should take place in an enclosed area away from the other children. The number of people allowed in the room during a treatment should be limited to the student and the staff member administering the treatment. After the nebulizer treatment, the room should immediately be cleaned following the routine cleaning and disinfection procedures used in your facility. CDC has information on how to clean and disinfect and how to prevent asthma attacks triggered by cleaning and disinfecting activities. Symptoms of asthma and COVID-19 may overlap, including cough and shortness of breath, so be sure to use your wellness checks to be sure the child is well enough to attend childcare each day.
Please contact your Child Care Health Consultant at Idaho STARS if you have questions or need advice.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/cleaning-disinfecting-decision-tool.html