It is important to know that for now, there is no cure for food allergies. The only way to avoid a reaction is strict avoidance of the food(s). Also, every food allergy reaction has the possibility of developing into a life-threatening and potentially fatal allergic reaction. Parents need to be educated and should make sure they have a few items with them at all times. To determine exactly what you need, it is advisable to speak with your child’s pediatrician or specialist as prescription medication may be necessary. As a parent, you should have a medical alert identification for your child with you and them at all times.
One of the most important items to have and provide is contact information, a list of known allergies, and instructions and recommended interventions. Your child’s school, child care provider, camp, after school program and any place your child will be for a sustained period of time should also have certain items readily available and a plan that is understood by caregiver, parent, and child.
Parents and their health care providers must work with the child care facility to develop a special care plan to include: Written instructions regarding the food(s) to which the child is allergic and steps that need to be taken to avoid that food; A detailed treatment plan to be implemented in the event of an allergic reaction, including the names, doses, and methods of administration of any medications that the child should receive in the event of a reaction. The plan should include specific symptoms that would indicate the need to administer one or more medications.
Parent must make sure the school or facility has: Necessary up-to-date medications; Proper storage of such medications in an unlocked cabinet always accessible to staff; Training to manage the child’s food allergy while the child is at the child care facility.
Link to child-care action card.
Here is a link to a card from the Asthma Allergy Foundation of America that can be filled out and sent to your child’s school, camp or child care facility.
DOWNLOAD CARD
