Anyone who suffers from a peanut allergy must be very careful in everyday life and always be prepared. In familiar surroundings, however, most of them get along well. But it’s different on vacation. What to look out for before a trip.
Skin rash, tingling in the mouth and throat, circulatory problems: Even a single peanut can cause these symptoms if you have an allergy. A so-called anaphylactic shock can even be life-threatening. Good preparation helps to ensure that the peanut allergy does not cause any incidents on vacation. This is especially true for families with an allergic child. That’s why it’s important to ask yourself three questions before you start your trip.
How is the medical care on site?
Even before the start of the trip, affected families should check what the local medical care is like. That means: Is there an easily accessible medical practice, hospital or other emergency service that can help quickly? This information can be crucial if a severe allergy shock occurs while on vacation.
In this context, it is also advisable to take out travel health insurance for family members and to ensure that it covers the costs even in the event of severe allergic reactions, so that there are no nasty financial surprises.
What vocabulary and phrases should I know?
If you suffer from a peanut allergy, you should make sure before you go on holiday that you can point it out everywhere. It is therefore advisable to master the following sentences in English and ideally also in the national language:
- I have a peanut allergy.
- Are there peanuts in this dish?
- If I eat peanuts, I can go into an allergic shock.
It also makes sense to know terms such as doctor’s office, clinic or pharmacy in order to be able to communicate in an emergency. The Nut Anaphylaxis Network recommends translation apps on smartphones.
Also interesting: How to spot little-known allergies
Do I have all emergency medication with me?
Of course, those affected should also have their allergy pass and the set with the emergency medication ready when they are out and about. In order for the adrenaline auto-injector, which includes a syringe, to be allowed on the plane, a medical travel certificate is required. It is best to carry these with you in English.
Caution: The adrenaline auto-injector is temperature sensitive. It should be stored up to a maximum of 25 degrees so that it retains its effect. If you have a special cool bag with you, you are well equipped on holiday.