What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis (pronounced ana-fil-ax-is) is a serious and often sudden allergic reaction. It can occur when someone with allergies is exposed to something they are allergic to (known as an allergen). Reactions usually begin within minutes and rapidly progress but can occur up to 2-3 hours later.

Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening and always requires an immediate emergency response.

If you have experienced a sudden allergic reaction in the past, then you may be at risk of anaphylaxis even if you have not had anaphylaxis before. We advise that you see your GP and ask for a referral to an allergy clinic.

A diagnosis of anaphylaxis can be daunting at first, but by becoming well-informed, thinking ahead and employing daily coping strategies, people affected find that life can return, almost, to normal.

Supporting People With Serious Allergies

Here are some of the ways we support people to manage day-to-day life with a serious allergy.

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About Anaphylaxis UK

Anaphylaxis UK is the only UK-wide charity operating solely for the growing numbers of people at risk of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. While there’s no treatment or cure for anaphylaxis, we believe that by providing information, training and support, there is a brighter future for people living with serious allergies.

Our mission is to create a safer environment for everyone with allergies by working with and offering training for the food industry, schools, pre-schools, colleges, health professionals and others.

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Training & Education

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Is Your School AllergyWise®?

We offer training for teachers and all school staff. We encourage a whole school allergy awareness approach – the more staff who understand allergy and how to recognise an allergic reaction, the more likely your school will be able to safely manage pupils with allergies.

Check with your school and ask if they have done our training.

Ways You Can Help

There are many ways that you can get involved with the vital work we do! Your support has a huge impact on the lives of people with serious allergies.

Your time is as valuable as your donations, so explore the button below to discover all the ways you can help us further our mission of securing a brighter future for people at risk of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis UK's Convenient Clothes Collection

If you have a busy schedule or a large quantity of clothes to donate, Anaphylaxis UK offers a FREE pickup service.

Have your donated items collected from either your home, workplace, school or university saving you time and effort!

Living with Serious Allergies

Guidance for Parents

If you're a parent, explore our guide all about teaching children how to live with food allergies and educating them about anaphylaxis.

Managing Allergies at University

As you leave for university, it might be the first time you’ve had to manage your allergies on your own. Make the transition a bit easier with Anaphylaxis UK.

Shopping & Preparing Food

If you or a member of your household has a food allergy, there are precautions you can take while shopping or preparing food at home to ensure food safety.

Travelling

Allergies can be stressful, especially when you’re in a busy airport or in new and unfamiliar surroundings. Follow our top tips and be as prepared as possible to stay safe and confident while travelling.

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Latest News from Anaphylaxis UK

All of our latest news posts. Click through to read more.

Join the study: outdoor events attendees with special dietary needs 8th April 2024

Researchers from the University of the West of England (UWE) are seeking individuals with food intolerances, allergies, or special dietary requirements to participate in their study focusing on experiences at outdoor events.
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Exploring the impact of ‘not knowing’: an invitation for parents and caregivers to take part in research 26th March 2024

Researchers from the University of Nottingham would like to interview parents and caregivers of children with a diagnosed food allergy about their experiences of uncertainty so that they can provide the right help and support. 
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New review finds risk of allergic reactions on commercial flights is lower than on the ground 26th March 2024

The Civil Aviation Authority have published a review of the evidence on the risks of allergic reactions on commercial flights for those with food allergies and how to manage them. The results are reassuring, showing that the risk of a reaction in the air is up to 100 times lower than on the ground.
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Allergy Alerts

Sulphites Alert – Coop 20 Piece Picnic Platter 12th April 2024

Product Name: Coop 20* Piece Picnic Platter Use By: 21st April 2024     We have been alerted by Coop that it is recalling its Coop 20* Piece Picnic Platter from sale because it contains sulphites which is not declared
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Soya Alert – Plant Kitchen Mushroom Pie 12th April 2024

Product Name: Plant Kitchen Mushroom Pie Use By Dates: 12/4/2024, 16/4/2024, 18/4/2024, 22/4/2024 Barcode Number: 0360944     We have been alerted by Marks & Spencer that it is recalling its Plant Kitchen Mushroom Pie from sale because it contains
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Milk and Soya Alert – Viennetta Vanilla 5th April 2024

Product Name: Viennetta Vanilla 650ml Pack Size: 650ml Best Before: 01/2026 Batch Code: L4031BC020     We have been alerted by Unilever that it is recalling its Viennetta Vanilla 650ml from sale in Tesco stores in the UK because there
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