By Norma Dittman
Fulda Free Press staff writer
School has begun for the 2017-2018 year, and Vicki Hansen, Fulda Public School Nurse, has asked that parents and students within the Fulda community and Fulda School District be aware of the severity of peanut allergies.
“There are all kinds of allergies that people have, but the peanut allergy is one of the most severe,” Hansen stated. “Peanut allergy symptoms can be life-threatening causing anaphylaxis. For some people with peanut allergy, even tiny amounts of peanuts can cause a serious reaction.”
Hansen stated that the number of cases of peanut allergies in children has been increasing. “Even if your child has had only a mild allergic reaction to peanuts, it is very important to talk to your doctor,” Hansen encouraged.
At Fulda Elementary School, the nutrition staff will not be using any food products with peanuts or peanut oil. The kitchen at Fulda High School is also mostly peanut free. “By the time a student enters the upper elementary grades and then are in high school, they pretty much know what they can eat and what they cannot have,” Hansen commented. “We are doing what we can to prevent allergic students from being exposed to peanuts, and other allergens, as well. We work with the parents, but the parents must also educate their child.”
Hansen also said that the teachers who have the elementary students with peanut allergies will be watching very closely that the students not be exposed to peanuts. Training is provided to all staff who supervise the students as to the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock, basic first aid, resuscitative techniques and in the use of an EpiPen.
