If you have a food allergy, eating, touching and even just smelling the food you are allergic to can cause you to go into anaphylactic shock.  This reaction can give you a rash or hives, trouble breathing, swollen lips and throat, and make you go unconscious.  If you don’t get help for the reaction, hard to breathe and make you go unconscious or worse. Very frightening!"

Most kids with food allergies are pretty good at being careful already. School can present some tough situations though, so it’s best to be prepared.

Food from home is best. Vending machines, party snacks, cafeteria food and pizza or hot dog day lunches could all potentially hide your allergy food.

Here are the ways you can help yourself be safe:

1. Learn the list of what you can and cannot eat
2. Double-check ingredient lists on “okay” foods a lot to make sure nothing has changed
3. Keep your emergency medication and instructions with you at all times
4. Do not share food with classmates or others
5. Food from home is best
6. Wash your hands before and after eating
7. Bring special treats from home when there is a school celebration
8. Wear a medical alert bracelet that includes the details of your allergy
9. Speak up and get help if you think you are having a reaction
10. If your medication is not on your person, then make sure it is not locked up
11. Check with your school to see if they can keep a back up supply of your medication on hand
12. With your parents, talk to the school, teacher and caregivers about your allergy and emergency procedures
13. Review the information with the school every few months so it isn’t forgotten
14. Keep a look out for your allergy triggers and tell someone if there is danger for you