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The occurrence of an allergic reaction after eating food is not a rare problem in children.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, even life-threatening, as in the case of anaphylaxis.

If the allergy to a specific food is already known, the safest way to prevent the reaction is to avoid the responsible food. However, the possibility of exposure to the allergen through ignorance or omission remains.

Because children spend a large part of their time at school, and even without the supervision of their parents, there is an increased risk of exposure to responsible food. Coordinated care of educational staff, parents and doctors is needed to ensure a safe environment without seriously affecting their quality of life.

Recommendations for the family

• Inform the school about your child’s allergies.
• In collaboration with school officials, ensure that the program is within the scope of the child’s needs during the hours he is at school, and that he is supervised during class hours or when he is in the cafeteria, sports activities or childcare.
• Provide the school with the necessary medications and written instructions for use, as given to you by the doctor.
• Do not neglect to replace medications after they are used or expired.
• If, in the end, an allergic reaction occurs, confirm that the procedures followed were the ones that were necessary. Discuss these with your doctor.

  Educate your child about their allergy problem, highlighting:

  • which foods are suspicious, which are prohibited, which are safe
  • how to recognize – read food labels – and avoid suspicious foods
  • what are the symptoms of an acute allergic reaction
  • who and when to inform when anaphylaxis occurs
  • Act calmly, without panic, cooperate constructively with the school staff.

  School Responsibilities

  • Organize a medical file for the student you are informed has a problem with. health.
  • Make sure that the staff who regularly work with the student understands the problem, can recognize the symptoms, and knows what to do in case of an emergency.
  • Make sure that medications are stored in an appropriate place and are easily accessible in case of an emergency.
  • Designate school staff members who are specially trained to administer medications when needed, according to instructions.
  • Discuss any experiences or clarifications you may have with the child’s family during educational meetings.
  • Prohibit food on school buses.
  • Do not exclude allergic children from school activities because of their allergy.

  Take the warning from parents about any allergies or the instructions they gave you for a student seriously, even if it is likely that exaggerated.

  Recommendations to the student

  • Do not take food from other children
  • Do not eat anything if you do not know the contents.
  • Learn how and when to make adrenaline yourself with the ready-made pre-filled syringe.
  • If you suddenly feel any of your known symptoms, do not be afraid, do what you need to.