Home→Living with Serious Allergies→Allergy Summer Safety

The summer is finally here and you need to look no further than Anaphylaxis UK for #SummerSafety allergy tips! This dedicated Summer Safety page has the information you will need to help you plan and prepare for a safe and enjoyable summer.

From tips on how to prepare for your travels, how to store your adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) in the hot weather, advice on how to manage bee and wasp sting allergies and useful tips on what ingredients to look out for in your sunscreen – we’ve got you covered this summer!

Travelling with allergies

There’s nothing more exciting than going on holiday, whether it’s travelling around the UK or going abroad. But for those living with serious allergies travelling can be stressful, especially when you’re in a busy airport or in new and unfamiliar surroundings.

Our comprehensive ‘Travelling with Allergies’ webpage is designed to give people living with serious allergies and their families the knowledge and confidence to travel safely, covering everything from preparing for flights, airline allergy policies, travel checklists and top tips for eating abroad.

Navigating allergens on airlines

Air travel can be particularly stressful for individuals with food allergies, and understandably, our helpline gets a lot of enquiries during the holiday season about the safety of flying with a serious allergy.

At Anaphylaxis UK, we recognise these challenges and have created a comprehensive guide to help passengers with food allergies and their families prepare for safe and enjoyable journeys. This guide covers your rights as a passenger and offers practical recommendations to help reduce the risk of allergic reactions during flights.

Eating out on holiday

Eating out should be a fun and enjoyable part of your time away, but when you have serious allergies it is often the most stressful and overwhelming part of the holiday. We believe that with the right information and planning, we can help to ease some of the worry that can come with eating out with serious allergies.

To help with this, we have a dedicated section on our ‘Travelling with Allergies’ webpage covering top tips for eating out on your travels.

Storing AAIs in the hot weather

Whilst many of us enjoy the warm weather that comes with summer, it can bring additional challenges for those with serious allergies who need to carry adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPen® or Jext®). The way you store your AAIs can affect how well it works so it’s important to look after them, especially in hot weather.

 

It can be quite difficult when it’s hot but understanding how to keep your AAIs at the right temperature is crucial. So, here are our top tips to ensure your AAIs are ready to go when you need them :
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Do NOT leave AAIs in direct sunlight. Excessive heat can cause the adrenaline to break down, meaning it might not be as effective when you need it.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon AAIs should be stored in a cool dark place at room temperatures below 25°C.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Do NOT freeze AAIs or keep them in the fridge. Try to keep them in the shade when out and about.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Insulated AAI storage bags are available to help keep medication at the recommended temperature.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Do NOT leave your AAIs in the car. Cars can overheat, especially when parked in direct sunlight.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Check your devices regularly to make sure the liquid is clear and colourless.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Never leave your AAIs in a cloakroom, on a coach or other place where bags etc are stored as you need immediate access to your medicine at all times.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon And REMEMBER to carry TWO AAIs with you at all times!
Find out more

Check the expiry date of AAIs!

How regularly do you check your Adrenaline Auto-Injectors to make sure they haven’t expired?

The adrenaline used in these devices degrades over time and may become less effective after the expiry date. With that in mind, it is vitally important that you check expiry dates on your or your child’s adrenaline auto-injectors and any other medication before you travel. Give yourself plenty of time to get a new prescription if your medication is due to become out of date while you’re away. And don’t forget IF your AAI has already expired, you must replace it immediately.

Check the ingredients in sunscreen

Before you head out for fun in the sun, remember to check your sunscreen ingredients! Some sunscreen and cosmetic products can contain ingredients that may trigger allergies. Even though many high street sunscreen brands are safe for those with allergies, it’s important to always check the labels!

When you read the ingredients lists of cosmetics, you will see common food-based ingredients given a Latin name. But we’ve produced a handy article with some of the ingredients and Latin names to watch out for in sunscreen products.

Bee and wasp sting allergies

Allergic reactions to bee and wasp stings are more common during the warmer months, and with many of us enjoying alfresco dining in the warm weather it’s important to be prepared this summer.

Being stung by a bee or wasp can cause an allergic reaction which, for some, can be serious. If you or someone you know has an insect sting allergy, knowing the signs of anaphylaxis and how to respond quickly can save a life. Whether it’s a minor irritation or a serious reaction (anaphylaxis), our resources will help you navigate the ‘sting of uncertainty’ when it comes to bee and wasp stings!

Summer festivals

For many people in the UK, summertime means one thing… festival season! It’s a time to unwind, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy live music from your favourite artists. But for those living with serious allergies, the carefree vibe of festivals can quickly turn into a source of stress.

We don’t want anyone to miss out on the festival experience, so we’ve put together some top tips to help you stay safe while having a great time.

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