A couple of questions, not because I don’t believe you. Just curious.
Did he simply touch peanut butter, or did he transfer the allergen by rubbing his eyes, nose, etc?
Were the parents and the school aware of the child’s peanut allergy? Was an epi-pen available for the child at school? One would think an epi-pen would be standard fare for emergency situations. A child with any documented allergy severe enough to cause anaphylaxis should have one at the school with his name one it.
I am having a little trouble comprehending why a peanut allergy is different from a bee sting allergy. Anaphylaxis is anaphylaxis.
Yes, the parents and school were aware of the peanut allergy, but certainly not aware of its severity until after the episode I described. It was a small school, and parents in that child’s class willingly sent other types of lunches with their children. No peanut butter cookies at class parties, etc. — just a friendly and cooperative approach.
The issue arose because a class other than his had used the table earlier and left peanut butter residue. It is my understanding that he merely touched it.
I don’t know if an epipen was used. I was not present at the time of the incident. I do know that EMTs were called, and he was treated in a nearby emergency room. I could call his mom and ask for details, but I don’t like her, so I won’t. Which is completely unrelated to the subject. Please forgive me.
I believe the difference between peanut allergies and other life-threatening allergies lies in the pervasive use of peanut products. Blame George Washington Carver. Peanut oil and peanut products are widely used, but you don’t encounter a bee every day. (My mother actually had an anaphylaxic response to a wasp sting but recovered.)
Same with foods on airplanes. Those with allergies to seafood don’t often encounter seat-mates slurping shrimp. I would imagine that the reason travelers nowadays are downgraded to pretzels could be an indication that airlines are avoiding potential liability. It’s easier to ditch the peanuts — lots of alternate snacks available.
If you have not already, please read the link in post #91.