With an increase in the number of children with allergies in the general population, the impetus for control in non-home environments is important. When our children do go to school, what questions should we ask the school pertaining to the antigen exposure?
The most troublesome area for exposure is in the dining hall. This is where the children may actively come in contact with an allergic antigen. You may want to ask the school if allergic students, especially to peanuts, are placed at a peanut-free table. You may ask them the protocol that is used when an antigen is accidentally ingested in the cafeteria. You may also want to know if the child does develop an anaphylactic reaction the protocol that is performed.
The other place that our children come in contact with allergens is in the classroom during snack time. You may wish to ask the teacher if there is a general prohibition of peanut and nut snacks brought into the classroom. Are desktops washed off after snack? Can you bring your child’s own snacks? What happens when your child accidentally comes in contact or ingests an allergen? What is the protocol if your child has anaphylaxis?
If anaphylaxis does occur in the school, how is the school prepared to react? Are there EpiPens in the school room, or are they at the nurse’s quarters. Is your child allowed to carry the EpiPen with him/her, or do they have to proceed to the nurse’s quarters?
All these questions need to have necessary answers in order for you as a parent to rest comfortably when sending your child to the school.
