Know your triggers

Avoidance of triggers is always the most effective way of managing allergies, so if you are planning on travelling it’s important to know exactly what your triggers are, and how to communicate them.1

Of course, there may be hidden triggers, so you still need to be prepared.

Research your destination, particularly if you are travelling overseas. Learn the local words for all of your triggers. Translation apps and websites can help you with that. Write down the details of your allergies on a card that can be shown to restaurant or other staff in English and their language. Or look at acquiring a set of multi-language cards from providers such as Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia2 which are available from: https://allergyfacts.org.au/resources/aaa-translated-chef-card-template

The multi-language cards mentioned in this website are general recommendations only, and are not endorsed by Viatris or intended to be applicable to all patients.

If you have an insect bite or sting allergy always wear a high-quality insect repellent containing DEET and cover up as much as possible.3

Plan ahead

You may need to request the following from your doctor before you travel:2

  • Doctor’s letter about your need to carry EpiPen® or EpiPen® Jr Auto-Injector
  • Updated ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis and ASCIA Travel Plan
  • Medical report for your travel policy, if required

Make sure you pack
a spare EpiPen® Auto-Injector

Note the location
of the nearest
emergency centre

Make sure you have enough medication to last the trip - plus some more

Check if you can buy an EpiPen® Auto-Injector where you are

Share your
anaphylaxis plan
with hotel staff

Hospital

Research the closest emergency centre to your destination and have location and contact details available in case they are needed.2

Mobile phones

Mobile phone reception might also be limited. You may need to switch your mobile phone to international roaming or purchase local or international SIM cards.

Medication

Ensure your EpiPen® or EpiPen® Jr Auto-Injector will not expire whilst travelling.

Plans

Obtain, and make copies of, a letter from your doctor detailing your allergy and the medication required to manage it.
If you are travelling to countries where English is not the primary language spoken you may wish to carry a card with your emergency procedure translated into the local language.2
And take a printed copy of the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis to share with hotel or resort staff.

If you are flying2

Before you book flights, check out the airline’s policy on allergy prevention and treatment. For example, does the airline serve peanuts or other potential triggers as snacks? Are you able to board with EpiPen® Auto-Injector? When you finally book, alert the airline to any allergies and special meal requests. If the airline can’t guarantee allergy free foods, check that you can take your own food on board.

Airlines, customs and security policies vary. To help minimise issues with carrying EpiPen® Auto-Injector, it is recommended that all medication is carried in original packaging and that you take a letter from your doctor.

It is highly recommended that you take out medical travel insurance for your trip – healthcare can be very expensive in some countries.

You should notify airline attendants of your allergies when you board the plane and indicate the location of your EpiPen® Auto-Injector and Action Plan.

Wipe down seatback trays before placing food items on them, to avoid cross contamination from previous passengers.

You should carry EpiPen® Auto-Injector in your hand luggage. EpiPen® Auto-Injector should not be packed into checked-in luggage. Make sure EpiPen® Auto-Injector is within easy reach. It is better to keep it in a bag under the seat in front of you or in the seat pocket rather than in the overhead locker.

If travelling with children with allergies, ensure flight attendants are aware of the situation in case you fall asleep or aren’t in a position to monitor what the child eats or drinks.

Help is available

You can find more help and advice on living with anaphylaxis from the following organisations.

ASCIA is the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand. The ASCIA website www.allergy.org.au/anaphylaxis provides accessible, consistent and evidence based resources, education and training about anaphylaxis for health professionals, patients, carers and community.

Visit ASCIA

Allergy New Zealand has been offering reliable information, education and support to all New Zealanders for over forty years, helping caregivers and patients to manage allergies and live an active and healthy lifestyle.

Visit www.allergy.org.nz