With current COVID rules, this year’s Halloween celebrations will be different from previous years. Many activities such as traditional door-to-door trick or treating or Halloween parties with other households are potentially high risk for spreading the virus.
Although there is no specific Halloween guidance at this time, please remember to follow current safety measures and any further rules for the area you live in.
Allergen safety
For parents and carers of children with a severe food allergy, Halloween can be a time of additional anxiety, worrying that their children could be exposed to treats which may cause a reaction.
A recent study, led by researchers from the Montreal Children’s Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre, found that during Halloween and Easter in Canada, there were higher rates of anaphylaxis to unknown nuts and peanuts compared to the rest of the year. As both holidays are also celebrated in the UK, it’s vital parents and children with allergies are vigilant around these times.
It is possible for parents and their food allergic children to join in and have great fun during the spooky season.
Top Tips:
- Remind children what their food allergens look like.
- Ask your child not to eat any sweets or treats until they are checked at home.
- Have approved sweets, fruit or non-food treats ready at home that can be swapped for any treats that are not suitable.
- Check the labels of any sweets you do not recognise before giving to the allergic child. Also sometimes ‘treat size’ versions of sweets have different ingredients so double check those too.
- Keep your child’s adrenaline auto-injectors with them at all times, even if that means tucking them into their costume or goodie collection pot.
- Make sure that any adults or friends with your child know about their allergies, what signs and symptoms to look out for and how to administer emergency medication.
For more information, contact our helpline on 01252 542029 or email [email protected]