Content in "Kids Corner" is Copyright © Groovers Media 1999

Pete has Other Allergies Pete the Platypus lives in Billabong Creek. He has to be careful because he is allergic to sesame seeds, soy, wheat, bees and penicillin. He enjoys hanging out with his friends, swimming and exploring new rivers. Pete has to watch out for bees in case they sting him. If he eats the wrong foods or gets stung by a bee, he could get very sick and have to go to hospital. When Pete and his Mum visit the doctor, the doctor must be told that he can't have penicillin. He wears a medic alert bracelet giving details of his allergies, name and address. This lets others know that he has special needs.

Pete the Platypus

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Parent's Handy Hints

Medic alert has developed a new form of bracelet. It is a sports-style fabric and velcro wrist band. The current design is still being developed and some refinement of design is likely to occur over the next year. However, for families with children/teenagers who are reluctant to wear the more traditional medic alert style of bracelet this new design may provide a good alternative. For further information contact the Australian Medic Alert Foundation in your capital cities.

When visiting the doctor take a cassette player, headphones and a new story or song tape with you for your child. This may provide a welcome distraction for the child as well as allowing you to talk to the doctor without worrying your child

When giving a child a new medication or trying a new food plan to do so in the morning so that you and your child are awake and able to monitor any possible reactions to the medication/food.

As with peanut, total avoidance of sesame seeds is essential. It is likely that heating does not destroy the allergenicity of sesame. Dishes containing sesame include: tahini, gomashio and hummus. Chinese stir fry oils sometimes contain sesame oils. Sometimes it is found in Aqua Libra.

ABOUT BEES & WASPS

F.A.C.T.S primarily focus on food induced Anaphylaxis. We have included the following as a guide on insect stings but recommend that you speak to your allergist in more detail if you or your child are allergic.

Bees sting only when they feel threatened - However, one sting can kill a very bee-allergic person. Honeybees are not aggressive like wasps however they will sting if they have to protact their colony. Bumble bees are also not aggressive and very rarely sting, only if they are accidently handled while breeding or trodden on.

Wasps are extremely aggressive towards the end of the summer/autumn when their plants have been taken over by bees. They will resort to eating food in bins or other areas where the general public have left a trail. Some of the wasps sleep at this time and can very easily be mistaken for dead, resulting in a sting if touched or accidentially stepped on.

If you are allergic to insect stings the following steps should be taken: In the event of a sting, the bee leaves its stinger in the victim. Great care must be taken when removing the stinger because the venom sac is still attached. Use your fingernail rather than thumb and forefinger because you could accidently squeeze more venom into the victim.

Avoid strong aftershave, perfume, sweet-smelling suntan lotion, hair sprays and any other cosmetic likely to attract insects.

Insect repellent. Check the ingredients before using. If sprays trigger an asthmatic/allergic response, it is best to check with manufacturers enquiring about an allergy friendly spray.

Wear greens, white or other natural coloured clothes. Bright colours and floral prints attract attention from the insect world.

Remove any crumbs from your child's face after eating outside. The food will attract hungry wasps and other unwelcome insects. Remember to stay very calm if a bee or wasp lands on you. It will feel unthreatened and will fly away after a few minutes. Waving your arms around will only aggrevate the insect who will more than likely sting you or your child.

Remove any signs of a bees/wasps nest in your garden or near your house. You can call your local council or pest control to do it for you who have staff trained managing bees/wasps.

When outside, avoid areas where there are rubbish bins. Always check your food before you take a bite. Bees/wasps love to hang around children who might accidentially spill some of their sweet soft drinks. Try to cover the drink if possible and encourage your child to use a straw.

Remember to never leave the house without the required medication.

With special thanks to The Anaphylaxis Campaign, UK, for some of the information used above.

Find more information on:

Hidden Ingredients
Food Alerts