Doctors are advising parents of children with allergies and asthma to have a plan of action before school starts. 

Dr. Phil Hemmers of the Allergy Center of Connecticut wants parents to know that the Epi-Pen is not the only auto injector for Epinephrine available. He also says children with asthma should always have a rescue inhaler on hand.

"The main ingredient in the rescue medications is albuterol," Dr. Hemmers says. "It's a very fast acting medication that opens up the airway so children can breathe easier." 

He says parents don't necessarily have to meet with the school nurse in person, but they need to make sure the school nurse has their action plan and the device or medication needed to save their child in a medical crisis.

Doctors say other students without food allergies can help by following the school's guidelines and leaving prohibited foods at home. 

They should also wash their hands at home, especially if they've eaten those foods for breakfast.

Doctors say 8 percent of children have food allergies.