What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe and sometimes sudden allergic reaction. It can occur when a
susceptible person is exposed to an allergen, such as a food or insect sting. Although death is
rare, an anaphylactic reaction always requires an emergency response. Prompt treatment
with adrenaline is required to halt progression and can be lifesaving. Fortunately anaphylactic
reactions are usually preventable by implementing strategies for avoiding allergens.
Common allergens that can trigger anaphylaxis are:
 foods (e.g. peanuts and other nuts, shellfish and fish; milk and egg, wheat, sesame
and soy)
 insect stings (e.g. bee, wasp, jack jumper ants)
 medications (e.g. antibiotics, aspirin)
 latex (e.g. rubber gloves, balloons, swimming caps).
This is not, however, an exhaustive list of possible allergens.

The severity of an anaphylactic reaction can be influenced by a number of factors including
minor illness, asthma, and, in the case of food allergens, the amount eaten. In the case of
severe food allergies, an anaphylactic reaction is usually triggered by ingestion.

As a community we can support our families by adhering to a NO NUT policy. Children should not bring nut products to school and our canteen wil follow the same policy. Children with no allergies are often unaware that they could be sharing food that should not be shared. 

We all have a responsibility to support our young people when it comes to food and allergies.