Anaphaylaxis Awareness Day 2018

Friday 18 May is the 2018 day designated to Anaphylaxis Awareness.

We in St Clare's Abbey are deeply committed to supporting this day as we have children and adults in our school who have severe allergies. 

We urge you to read the News Story below at home as a family to see how you can try to protect those who are vulnerable.

Thank You 

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is the term for a severe, possibly life-threatening, rapidly occurring allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions occur when an individual’s immune system responds inappropriately to the presence of a food or substance that it wrongly perceives as a threat.

Severe allergic reactions among young children are uncommon, but when they do occur they must be treated rapidly. Common causes among children include peanuts, fish, milk, eggs and tree nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts),

Sesame, shellfish and other foods.

Kiwi fruit has been identified as a significant problem in young children (Lucas et al 2004).

Non-food causes include wasp or bee stings, natural latex (rubber), penicillin or any other medication or injection.

Anaphylaxis is serious but most certainly manageable.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

Early recognition of symptoms and early treatment are vital.

Symptoms may include: ï‚·

Itching in the mouth

Swelling of the face, throat or tongue

Asthma

Difficulty in talking or swallowing

Hives anywhere on the body

Generalised flushing of the skin

Abdominal cramps and nausea

Floppiness (drop in blood pressure)

Collapse and unconsciousness

Here's how you can help a classmate with allergies: 

• Never brings nuts to school
• Always read the label and if it states, may contain nuts or produced in a factory that uses nuts, do not bring it to school.
• Never swap lunches or pressure them to eat something.
• Promise you'll tell an adult if your classmate feels or looks unwell after eating.
• Wash your hands after eating your breakfast and after eating food in school.