Rash Reaction

"A boy who suffers from a severe nut allergy has been excluded from school because he is considered to be a health and safety hazard."

Read the whole story...

The story, out of Goole, about 170 km east of Liverpool, grabbed attention with its "Allergic Boy Banned From School" headline. According to the Times article, George carries an Epipen and has been taught to use it in case of an allergic reaction. At his previous schools, anaphylaxis wasn't a controversy.

When you read the report, it is clear that the boy is being tutored at home just until a support system is in place at Howden School to protect students who face severe allergies. What has the school been waiting for?

In Ontario, Sabrina's Law was enacted in 2006. The bill ensures that school officials and staff receive training to recognize and give first-response aid in the case of a life-threatening allergic reaction. British Columbia has Bill M210 to protect students in that province.

Before the legislation, students with severe allergies were in the school. Parents trained the staff on identifying a reaction and administering epinephrine to their child. The legislation confirms that all school buildings will have designees who are prepared to give assistance to a student or volunteer or visitor, if it is required, anywhere in the province.

Facts About Food Allergies 1. Anaphylaxis affects 10% of the population. 2. Allergic reactions may occur up to 3-5 hours after exposure. Symptoms may persist for up to 72 hours. 3. Most fatal reactions occur as a result of accidental exposure. 4. The cause or trigger of the anaphylactic reaction isn't always obvious. Source: www.epipen.com	It's really a shame that the banner "Allergy Boy" has emboldened some readers to leave some insensitive comments that only underscore their ignorance of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a serious medical condition. It has nothing to do with how protective one's parents are. People with severe food allergies are not trying to control you, but we have a responsibility to keep ourselves safe.

Tags: [George Hall-Lambert]   [Howden School]   [Anaphylaxis]
[Epipen]   [Twinject Injector]
[Anaphylaxis Canada]   [Sabrina's Law]