Peanut and tree nut allergies are on the rise, and they are serious. Even a small amount of nut oil in a food can be fatal to an allergic person. As Jane Brody writes in her May 7, 2002, column in the New York Times on the subject, "Peanuts are the leading cause of fatal and nearly fatal food allergy reactions. Although allergies to peanuts were once considered rare, surveys indicate that the incidence has been rising in recent years. The prevalence doubled in the United States and Britain from the early 1980's to the early 90's." And it's not just peanuts. Many people are allergic to other nuts, usually called "tree nuts" to distinguish them from peanuts. Nuts are everywhere. Many airlines still serve them in enclosed cabins, some restaurants fry foods in peanut oil, school lunch rooms abound in peanut butter, and even some dishes that seem nut-free have hidden nut ingredients or were touched by utensils that had nut oil on them. To a highly allergic person, even incidental contact like this can be quite serious and even fatal. This guide, by the chief of allergy/immunology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and an associate professor at UCLA School of Medicine, shows how to reduce the risk of setting off a dangerous reaction, how to prepare in case a reaction does occur, how to have a safe airline flight, what parents of allergic children need to know and do, and reveals cutting-edge information about the upcoming peanut allergy vaccine and how it should be used.

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McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide