Dear Families:
One final point on the need for complete and constant adherence to our nut-free policy – Nut and peanut allergies can cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis may begin with some of the same symptoms as a less severe reaction, but then quickly worsen, leading someone to have trouble breathing, feel lightheaded, or to pass out. If it is not treated, anaphylaxis can be life threatening, thus we must always remain vigilant and proactive when it comes to the foods we send into the Collective. (Alarmingly, we had an inadvertent breach of policy today.) We have never seen anaphylaxis occur at the Collective, but we do know that children with nut allergies in our care have experienced it elsewhere, hence these announcements and these urgent requests to exercise constant vigilance.
So you are aware – common allergic reactions include:
- wheezing
- trouble breathing
- coughing
- hoarseness
- throat tightness
- stomachache
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- itchy, watery, or swollen eyes
- hives
- red spots
- swelling
- a drop in blood pressure
Reactions to foods, like peanuts and tree nuts, can be different. It all depends on the person — and sometimes the same person can react differently at different times.
Thanks for reading – and for keeping up your vigilance.
Martha