Allergy Checklist When Your Child Returns To School

The first day of school has arrived for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Many others are starting over the next few weeks. So now is the time to start thinking about your child's checklist if they have any food allergies.

We met with specialists at the Oklahoma Institute of Allergy and Asthma who said now is a good time to make sure your action plan is updated in your child's school file.

Some opt to wear a bracelet which tells what foods they're allergic to. Many students also carry an EpiPen in case of emergencies.

“It's crucial to have that updated action plan in place at the school so everyone knows what to do should we have a problem. It's crucial to have that rescue inhaler at school that's readily available and depending on the age of the child can be in the child's backpack,” said Dr. Amy Darter with the Oklahoma Institute of Allergy and Asthma.

Dr. Darter said 40 percent of kids are allergic to something whether it's environmental or food, like nuts, milk or eggs. She recommends replacing your typical peanut butter and jelly sandwich with soy butter or sunflower butter.

Most schools have a policy which prohibits bringing anything to school with nuts. That includes cupcakes to celebrate a child’s birthday. Most schools require those treats be store bought and list the ingredients on the packaging.