Anaphylaxis Awareness Week 2023�May 2 – May 8

Anaphylaxis is an extreme and severe allergic reaction.

The whole body is affected, often within minutes of exposure to the substance which causes the allergic reaction (allergen) but sometimes after hours.

Some people have severe allergic triggers that can cause anaphylaxis. Common triggers include:

• Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts, cashews, and Brazil nuts), sesame, fish, shellfish, dairy products and eggs.
• Non-food causes include wasp or bee stings, natural latex (rubber), penicillin or any other drug or injection.
• In some people, exercise can trigger a severe reaction — either on its own or in combination with other factors such as food or drugs (e.g. aspirin).

Epipens

If someone has a severe allergic reaction their body may go into anaphylactic shock. The sufferer should be treated with an injection of adrenaline (EpiPen) and an ambulance should be called immediately.

What can you do to show your support?

• We have students who have severe allergies to nuts and nut products.
• Some people can have an allergic reaction triggered by breathing in air bourne particles (eg dust from the nut).
• For this reason, we ask that you do not bring nuts or nut products onto the school site.
• There is a helpful reminder on the Healthy School page of your Student Planner.

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What if I have a severe food allergy?

• Please speak to either the catering manager or the chef at breaktime one day this week.
• They will be able to show you where you can find the allergens folder and how to use it to make safe menu choices.