2. Allergy Awareness Amelia County Public Schools

3. What is an allergy?  An allergy is an abnormal response to a normal substance. This is the body’s attempt to defend itself against substances that are perceived by the body to be harmful (an allergen).  There are various degrees of reaction. Symptoms can occur up to 72 hours or more after exposure to the allergen and can last for several days. Symptoms may or may not be life-threatening.  A life-threatening response to an allergen is called an anaphylactic reaction.  Allergic reactions can be caused by certain foods, medications, bee stings and products such as latex.

4. Common food allergies in children:

5. Allergy Statistics There are 75 million children in the United States.  Nearly 6 million or 8% of children have food allergies.  1-2 out of 1000 are allergic to bees.  Researchers believe that the prevalence of food allergies is increasing and the number of deaths from food allergy-induced anaphylaxis is growing.  Children are the largest group of the population affected by food allergies.  Some allergies can be out grown.  Peanut allergy is most commonly associated with anaphylaxis.  Peanut anaphylaxis accounts for 30,000 Emergency Room visits per year.  150 deaths per year from peanut and tree nut anaphylaxis.

6. What is anaphylaxis?  Anaphylaxis is the life-threatening form of an allergic reaction.  Anaphylaxis is defined as a sudden, severe allergic response that usually produces breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death.  Anaphylaxis usually occurs 1-15 minutes after exposure, rarely after 2 hours.  Anaphylaxis requires immediate action with the use of an EpiPen or Auvi-Q for immediate epinephrine administration.  Anaphylaxis requires an Emergency Response – Call 911 !

7. Allergic Reactions VS Anaphylactic Reactions Allergic Reactions  Runny nose  Itchy, red, watery eyes  Local reaction to sting, UNLESS known to be allergic to venom Anaphylactic Reactions  Hives  Swelling (face, lips, tongue, throat, upper airway)  Difficulty breathing  Cramping, vomiting, diarrhea  Difficulty swallowing  Weakness, paleness, sweating  Feeling of impending doom

8. How To Use an EpiPen Please watch the video below before proceeding…  EpiPen VideoEpiPen Video

9. How To Use an Auvi-Q Please watch the video below before proceeding…  Auvi-Q VideoAuvi-Q Video

10. Emergency Care Plans  Be aware of the students that have life-threatening allergies in your classroom and what they are allergic to.  Review all Emergency Care Plans on your students and take the Care Plans with you on field trips.  TAKE ALL REACTIONS SERIOUSLY !  Administer EpiPen or Auvi-Q if you recognize a student’s reaction as anaphylactic, or call a trained staff member to immediately assist with the administration of EpiPen/Auvi-Q.  Call 911.  Monitor the student’s breathing and circulation, perform CPR when necessary.  DO NOT leave the student alone.  Notify the parent/guardian.  The “Good Samaritan Law” protects all individuals who administer epinephrine from liability issues.  The School Nurse can provide you with hands on training to make you more comfortable with EpiPen and Auvi-Q or to answer any questions you may have.

11. Go to the site below to take the Allergy quiz. A passing score of 80% is required to submit your completion. Allergy Training Quiz Alternately, you can access the Quiz from our Website on the Health page by clicking the Health Module Exams Link.Health page