What is an Allergy?

An allergy is when the immune system of the body reacts abnormally to a typically innocuous substance. Allergens are substances that can cause an allergic response.

Allergies are relatively common in Australia. Allergies affect one out of every three persons at some point in their lives. Food allergies, eczema, asthma, and hay fever are the most prevalent allergic conditions. Around ten percent of newborns up to the age of 12 months and two percent of adults have a food allergy.

Medication, insect stings and bites, allergens in the environment (e.g. pollens, grasses, moulds, dogs and cats), and proteins (most often) in the foods we consume can all cause allergic responses. Allergies can be mild, moderate, or serious in nature.

World Allergy Week “Anaphylaxis” Theme 2021

The World Allergy Organisation (WAO) has launched a global campaign called World Allergy Week to increase awareness about the impact of allergies in our communities. 2021 theme of World Allergy Week is Anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It might happen seconds or minutes after you’ve been exposed to anything you’re allergic to, such peanuts or bee stings. Anaphylaxis causes your immune system to unleash a rush of chemicals that can send you into shock, causing your blood pressure to plummet and your airways to narrow, blocking you from breathing. A quick, weak pulse, a skin rash, nausea, and vomiting are all signs and symptoms. Certain meals, drugs, insect venom, and latex are all common causes.

Anaphylaxis necessitates an adrenaline shot and a trip to the emergency hospital. You should go to an emergency room right away if you don’t have epinephrine. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not handled promptly.

Australia Vs Allergies (Facts and figures) 

• At least one allergy condition is afflicted to 4.1 million Australians (19.6% of the population). 
• The working-age population has the highest prevalence of allergies, with 78 percent of those aged 15 to 64 years suffering from allergies. 
• There are 7.2 million allergy cases  (i.e. an average of 1.74 simultaneous allergies per person).
• In Australia, the annual rate of new anaphylaxis cases is estimated to be one per 5000 persons.
• Recurrent allergic responses occur on average once every two years in people who have experienced anaphylaxis, and subsequent major allergic responses occur once every ten years in those who have had anaphylaxis.
• Over the last six years, allergy-related mortality have climbed by 42%.

Symptoms:

Anaphylaxis symptoms generally appear minutes after being exposed to an allergen. However, it can happen up to a half-hour or more after exposure. The following are some of the signs and symptoms:

• Hives and itching, as well as flushed or pale skin, are common skin responses. 
• Blood pressure that is too low (hypotension) 
• Airway constriction and a swelling tongue or throat, which can cause wheeze and breathing difficulties 
• A fast and feeble pulse 
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are all symptoms of a stomach bug. 
• a feeling of dizziness or fainting

Be prepared. Prompt recognition of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis is critical

Let’s help reduce infection and in turn allergies!

When a bee bites you, do you break out in hives? Or do you get a sneeze whenever you pet a cat? If this is the case, you may already be aware of some of your allergies. However, you may not always be aware of what is triggering your allergy symptoms.

While those with food allergies and infections  must take all possible precautions to avoid their allergen(s), it is equally critical for the general public to have a basic grasp of allergy or infection in order to keep those who are at risk safe. It is our responsibility to be allergy and infection -aware.

Let’s be individually aware of allergies and infections, so that we know the early symptoms of them and can get them treated before it too late!

More Australians are eating out now that COVID-19 limitations have been lifted. Food service establishments are hiring again, and it’s probable that they’ve never been trained on food allergy or food infection management. As a result, we’re urging food service venue owners to use the free online food allergy and infection management training during Allergy Week 2021 to teach all new and returning food service personnel.

We don’t need to be in the healthcare sector to have knowledge and be aware of various allergies and infection. Anyone out there can study and be aware so that one can take timely precautions and also help others in preventing the spread of infections and allergies related to Food, Retail and logistics. 

Infection control standards in different job roles across Australia has been impacted by COVID 19. This short course will provide specialized training for individuals to respond in an appropriate manner to reduce or minimise the risk and transmission of communicable diseases such as COVID-19.

Let support Australia to recover from the economic crisis and to rebuilt the workforce, there is a huge demand of trained workers who will help to bring back confidence in customers. It will also help to minimise the spread of the pandemic COVID-19. A large number of workers require specialised skills to prevent the transmission of infection while completing their normal work activities.

IHNA has 3 tailored Infection Control Courses in Retail, Food handling and Transport and logistic industry

IHNA is offering it for FREE!

IHNA’s Infection Control Skill Set

HLTSS00065 Infection Control Skill Set (Retail)

HLTSS00066 Infection Control Skill Set (Food Handling)

HLTSS00067 Infection control Skill Set (Transport and Logistics)

These courses will open your doors to the retail, food handling and transport and logistics industry for work.

References:

http://www.allergycapital.com.au/allergycapital/allergies_in_australia.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468