Since 2017, health officials have recommended parents expose their infants to peanuts between the ages of 4 and 6 months to potentially prevent peanut allergies. However, new research reported by The Washington Post finds parents and caregivers of infants and young children aren’t aware of the new guidelines and are anxious about introducing peanuts to their kids at such a young age.
Jennifer Walsh is a clinical assistant professor at the George Washington University School of Nursing. Walsh became a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in 1997 and began practicing in pediatric primary care caring for newborns to young adults and their families. At GW, she primarily teaches Pediatrics and Health Assessment. Her professional interests lie in pediatrics, mental health, interdisciplinary collaboration, and nursing assessment and education. In addition to pediatrics, Walsh’s expertise includes childhood developmental, childhood obesity, infant health, primary health care and experience in school/college health centers.
Walsh can explain how to respond to and treat allergic reactions to peanuts, what symptoms to look out for, when to seek professional care, and why parents might be hesitant to introduce peanuts at a young age. She can also discuss the changes in peanut allergy guidelines for infants and young children over the years.
If you would like to speak with Prof. Walsh, please contact GW Media Relations Specialist Cate Douglass at [email protected].
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