Adolescents, teenagers and young adults are the highest risk group for food allergy related death. Data from registries documenting cases of fatal and near fatal food allergic reactions demonstrate that 3/4 of the cases were between age twelve and twenty-two. Other studies show that teens and young adults may be influenced by peers and social circumstances to compromise effective food allergy prevention and preparedness strategies.
SOLUTION:
Attempt to engage this high risk age group and try to drive home the importance of self respect as well as supporting peers.
RESOURCES:
AllergyHome Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness Pop-culture Campaign. Free Food Allergy Awareness Posters
Anaphylaxis Canada: Why Risk It?
Food Allergy Management and Education (FAME) Manual & Tool-Kit
Fatalities due to anaphylactic reactions to foods. Bock SA, Muñoz-Furlong A, Sampson HA. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001; 107:191.
Further fatalities caused by anaphylactic reactions to food, 2001-2006. Bock SA, Muñoz-Furlong A, Sampson HA. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007; 119:1016.
