Allergies at School

October 2009

Even the smallest amount of a food someone is allergic to can cause some people to be really sick.

If you are having an allergic reaction to something, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• a tingling feeling in your mouth
• red blotches on your skin
• your face, lips and eyes swell and look puffy
• you may feel sick or throw-up
• have a hard time breathing
• have very itchy skin

If you have an allergy:

Never hide your allergy. Always tell people what you are allergic to. Make sure that your friends, classmates, and teachers all know. Never share food with someone. It is a good idea to wear a MedicAlert bracelet so that people know how to help you.

If others around you have an allergy:

If one of your classmates has a severe allergy to something, make sure you do not share your food with them. Tell your parents or guardian about your classmates’ allergies so they are aware of them.

If you are with your friend outside school and she or he is having any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, starts to swell up, or becomes very sick, tell the nearest adult to call an ambulance.