Follow these tips to help reduce your risk of a severe allergic reaction at home and when you go out.
1 Avoid allergy triggers whenever possible.
Click on your allergy trigger below for specific tips on how you can avoid them:
- Always check ingredient labels on packaged food
- Avoid packaged food with precautionary statements (e.g., “may contain”) for your allergen(s)
- Avoid eating food with ingredients you don’t recognize
- Avoid eating food that doesn’t have an ingredients list (e.g., bulk bins)
- Keep in mind:
- - Some food products may contain hidden ingredients
- - Labelling requirements differ from country to country, so pay special attention to food labels when travelling
Dining out:
- Tell the restaurant which foods you’re allergic to whenever you make a reservation and before you order
- Check with the manager or chef regarding their allergy policies and procedures so you can make an informed decision on the menu options available
- Ask how food is prepared and how they prevent possible cross-contamination
- - Cross-contamination can occur when food accidentally comes in contact with small amounts of a food allergen during manufacturing or food preparation; it can also occur through contact with utensils, surfaces, or objects
At special celebrations:
- Alert the host to your food allergies ahead of time and when you arrive at the event
- Offer to bring food that is safe for you to eat
- Avoid sharing food or drinks with friends
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after eating
- Carry your EpiPen®
Auto-Injector with you at all times in case of a severe allergic emergency
If your child has a food allergy:
- Offer to chaperone at the event
- Work with the host to organize activities that can help ensure your child feels like they’re part of the group
- Remind your child to tell an adult and not to wander off alone if they suspect symptoms are beginning
- Pack an EpiPen®
Auto-Injector in your child’s backpack and teach other adults how to use EpiPen®
- Avoid insects and nests
- Consider your clothing choices
- -Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes
- -Avoid bright colours, perfumes, and going barefoot outside
- Use insect repellent against mosquito bites
- Cover all food when outdoors
- Stay calm and back away slowly from insects or from someone who just got stung in case more are nearby
- Read labels carefully
- Avoid all products that contain latex
- Look for latex-free or synthetic latex options
- Tell your healthcare provider about your allergy; most clinics and hospitals can use non-latex alternatives
- Avoid taking the medication you’re allergic to and medications similar to the one you’re allergic to
- Tell all your healthcare providers (e.g., doctor, dentist, pharmacist) about your allergy
- Ask about alternative medication
- Avoid eating before and after exercise
- Exercise with a friend, and tell them what to do in case you have a reaction
- Stop exercising at the first sign of any symptoms
2 Wear medical identification and carry a card that lists your medical information.
A medical identification bracelet or necklace and card can help to quickly identify your condition in a severe allergic emergency. This is particularly important for those who are at risk of idiopathic anaphylaxis and consequently have an unidentified trigger.
3 Make allergy preparedness a team effort.
It’s not easy keeping track of your allergy triggers. And you may not be able to tell others how to use EpiPen® during a severe allergic reaction.
Take the time to educate family and friends about your severe allergic reactions and what to do in the event of an emergency.
4 Carry EpiPen® with you at all times.
Carry your EpiPen®
Ask your healthcare provider to write additional prescriptions so you can keep an EpiPen®
If you’re at risk of having a severe allergic reaction, it’s important to have easy access to an EpiPen®
Keep your EpiPen®
close at hand with an
EpiPen® Waistpack.