Caring for Students with Food Allergies

1. Caring for Students with Food Allergies Making the difference . . . Faculty and Staff Training

2. Food Allergies • Food allergies can be life-threatening • It’s important to understand the precautions to take to keep students as safe as possible • The biggest risk to these students is accidental exposure • We need to work together as a team to minimize risks and provide a safe environment

3. Exposure • Exposure is anytime a student ingests (eats) or touches the allergen • In some cases airborne food protein can be enough to cause a reaction in nut allergies: • Food prepared in containers or with utensils that have previously been used with nut products can cause a reaction • Common household cleaning agents such as Formula 409, Lysol Sanitizing wipes, and Target brand cleaner with bleach, effectively remove peanut allergen from tabletops and other surfaces

4. Symptoms following Exposure to Allergen: Localized Reaction: • Hives • Itching • Watery eyes • Runny nose • Swelling of the tongue

5. Symptoms following Exposure to Allergen: Generalized reaction: • Vomiting • “My mouth feels hot” • Coughing, wheezing • Swelling of any part of the body • Tightening of the throat • Dizziness • Sense of doom • Loss of consciousness

6. Reaction to Exposure Reactions can be unpredictable, so it’s important to always be prepared! A child can have a very severe allergic reaction, even if previous reactions have been mild.

7. Food Allergy Management • Keep the classroom as allergen-free as possible (remove allergens - or the child - immediately if allergen is present) • Nut Allergies: Cafeteria accommodations should be made: • Establish a “peanut-free” table near a window or door • Do not allow children to use the table or chair at other lunch periods • Wash tables with separate cloth

8. Studies • Two studies have now shown that up to 25% of reactions to peanut allergy in the school setting are first time reactions • It is important that all schools have a plan for recognizing and treating these potentially life threatening allergic emergencies • School staff should all be aware of the symptoms of an allergic reaction!

9. Emergency Care • Review the student’s Emergency Care Plan (written by your school nurse) • Know what emergency medications are available for your student, where they are and how to give them if necessary • Know what information to give 911 if needed (request Advanced Life Support) • Know where student’s emergency information is located.

10. Successful Allergy Management • Understand how to determine where allergens are found • Keep the environment as safe for the student as possible • Know your student and those students you supervise • Be prepared to follow your student’s Emergency Care Plan • Plan field trips carefully

11. Confidentiality • All students have the legal right to have their health information treated with confidentiality • All students deserve respect • Never refer to a student as “the peanut kid” or other nicknames • Handle things with quiet professionalism • Understand parental anxiety • Face your own anxiety and then: Relax and enjoy all of these students!

12. Questions? Consult your School Nurse as needed!