As many as 15 million people in the U.S. have a food allergy, including 1 in 13 children. Whether you have a child with a food allergy or not, it’s a serious condition that affects everyone. From birthday parties and sleepovers to a day at the mall, the slightest trace of an allergen can be life-threatening. For those directly affected, this is no laughing matter.
- Stress to your children that they shouldn’t make jokes about food allergies and that it’s a serious medical condition.
- While it’s good to share many things, don’t share food with friends who have food allergies. You never know if something could contain a trace amount of an allergen.
- Wash your hands after eating.
- Ask what your friend is allergic to and help them avoid it.
- Get help immediately if a friend eats something they’re allergic to and becomes sick.
The only true way to prevent a food allergy reaction is to avoid the allergy-causing food.
For more information on food allergies, click here.
