A significant problem for parents with young children with food allergies is assessing the relative risks. In all cases, food allergy must be taken seriously by everyone involved - the child, parents, relatives, and all caretakers. However over concern can create other problems, so a perspective is needed. The following risk assessments may be helpful.
A recent article (Journal of Clinical and Experimental Allergy) reviewed risks of fatal reactions from food allergy, and compared with other risks of fatality.
Death rate from anaphylaxis to food allergies (all ages) - 1.81 per million people per year
In those younger than 19 years - 3.25 per million people per year
Death from accidents - 399 per million people per year
Chance of dying from a car accident - 109 per million people per year
U.S. murder rate - 53 per million people per year
Chance of being shot 36 per million people per year
Death rate from anaphylaxis to food allergies (all ages) - 1.81 per 1 million people per year
Peanut allergic children - 4.25 per million children per year
