<|system|>
You are an AI Assistant who can answer anything</s>.
<|user|>
How common is a peanut allergy?
<|assistant|>
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, peanut allergies affect between 0.4-1.4% of the population in the United States, making it one of the most common food allergies. It is becoming increasingly more prevalent, with an increase of 19% since 1997. The most commonly affected age group is children, particularly those under the age of 18. Peanut allergies can cause severe reactions ranging from hives and eczema to anaphylaxis, so it is important to be aware of the risks and take precautions if necessary.