Recognizing and managing anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, immediate allergic reaction. Symptoms that can be life-threatening can occur within seconds to minutes, rarely hours, after contact with the allergenic substance including medicines and vaccines. The course Recognizing and managing anaphylaxis provides practical guidance to the frontline health care providers and also vaccinators key information on its identification, differentiating it from other clinical conditions such as fainting and other stress related responses. It also provides step by step guidance on the case management at the site of the event and the process of referral.

Photo credits: WHO/ Blink Media - Gareth Bentley

Course information

This course is also available in the following languages:

Русский - Español - Português - Français - العربية - 中文 - Tiếng Việt - Казақ тілі

This course is relevant for health workers and other immunization focal points. It provides two short instructional videos to support appropriate response to anaphylaxis as an AEFI (adverse event following immunization).

Course duration: Approximately 20 minutes.

Certificates: A Confirmation of Participation is available to participants who complete 100% of the course material.

Please see the Brief overview of anaphylaxis as AEFI and practical guidance on its identification, case management, and response in a primary care setting for more information.

What you'll learn

• Recognize and differentiate between anaphylaxis and immunization stress-related response, and
• Respond to anaphylaxis as an adverse event following immunization.

Course contents

• Recognizing Anaphylaxis vs. Immunization Stress-Related Response:

  In this video, we will show you how to recognize anaphylaxis, and how to tell the difference between anaphylaxis and an immunization stress-related response, so you are able to respond appropriately.

• Identifying and Managing Anaphylaxis:

  In this video, we will show you how to prepare for an anaphylactic reaction; how to identify the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis; and how to treat a patient who is having a severe allergic reaction.