Not a "Vent" about allergies

[ME]

I don't think this question fit anywhere else on here. What's the deal with all these allergies to peanuts anymore? I have never heard of this and then within less than a year, it's a huge deal, on the news and we have a "Peanut-free Zone" table in the cafeteria. And I come from a state known for peanuts!

 

[M.]

Re

It's actually a pretty big allergy for many people! I think it ranks up there for how many people are allergic to it. Some are worse than others. Some people have it really bad, though!

 

[BB]

allergies

I am a teacher. I am allergic to nuts. It is a very real thing.

 

[ME]

Hmmm

Ok- I didn't say it wasn't "real." Good grief

 

[DM]

on the rise

It is true that the incidence of peanut allergies has risen dramatically in recent years. No one is sure why, but there are various theories. Vaccinations prevent children from getting the diseases that build up their immune systems; antibacterial products create "superclean" homes so that children don't build up immunities; it goes on and on.

Unfortunately, for some people even the most remote contact with peanut residue can cause a life-threatening reaction. This is rarely true of other food allergies, which can be serious, but not usually to this extent. I don't know why peanuts are such a danger, but the fact is they are.

If you have a designated "peanut-free zone," perhaps a student in your school has been identified with this allergy. Some schools ban peanut products altogether.

 

[ktc]

peanut allergies

I'm actually surprised that that it is just a peanut free zone table in the cafeteria. This can be a life and death situation. Many children with nut allergies can have a severe attack just by the smell alone. At my school, nut products have been banned altogether. All teachers are also trained in using the Epi-pen in case something does happen. Who wants to take the chance? My own son loves his peanut butter sandwich for breakfast, but because he has a child in his SK class with a very severe allergy, we make sure that he washes his hands and brushes his teeth before leaving for school in the morning.