Surviving the holidays with allergies

Surviving the holidays with allergies

Whether you’re staying home or going to grandma’s, getting through the holiday season with allergies can be a challenge. Follow these safety tips so you too can eat, drink and be merry!

Decorations:
-- An artificial tree can harbor years of dust. Try to clean the tree before you put it up. As long as your small tree isn’t pre-lit, you can give it a gentle rinse in the tub or shower. Clean larger trees outside with a hose on a gentle setting. Be sure to dry the metal parts so they don’t rust. If you have a pre-lit tree, wipe off the branches with a damp cloth.

-- Ornaments should be gently cleaned to remove dust. Other types of decorations can be gently vacuumed with the brush attachment.

-- Real Christmas trees contain pollens or mold that can trigger an allergy, and tree sap can cause contact reactions. If possible, hose down the tree before bringing it inside. Let it dry thoroughly outside or in the garage, and don’t forget to put the trunk in a bucket of water so the tree doesn’t dry out. Be sure to wear gloves to prevent a contact reaction.

-- The smells and aromas that surround the holiday season can also trigger reactions. If you’re sensitive to candles, sprays, potpourri, and perfumes, be sure to let others know ahead of time.

Pets:
-- If you’re allergic to animals, don’t let anyone bring a pet into your home. It’s not just the hair that’s allergic, it’s the dander – so no matter how well you clean your home, some dander may stay behind, making your safe environment unfriendly for weeks to come.

-- If you’re visiting a home with a pet, the AAAAI recommends having the home owner remove the pet a day or two before your arrival and give the place a thorough cleaning. Make sure to take your preventative medication before your trip, and bring along your own pillow and blanket if possible.

-- For more tips on dealing with pet allergies see the WEGO Health page Coping with pet allergies

Travel:
If you suffer from asthma, you may want to consider wearing a face mask on the plane to protect you from germs. And practice frequent hand washing to help prevent the spread of illnesses.

Food:
Most of the rules that you follow throughout the year should keep you safe during the holidays. But here are some things to keep in mind:

-- Never eat anything unless you know exactly what’s in it. Many food-allergic people won’t eat anything unless it comes with an ingredient label. Check the label on a product each and every time.

-- Homemade items can be a nightmare. I recommend not eating anything homemade unless you trust the person who made it and she can guarantee no cross-contamination has occurred. I never let my son eat anything homemade unless I made it – it’s just worth the chance. Don’t let Aunt Ida guilt you into taking “one little bite” because she made it just for you.

-- Never eat from a buffet. Ask your host if you can make a safe plate ahead of time.

-- Always bring safe food with you and don’t let anyone bring unsafe food into your home.

-- Know that wine can be clarified with egg or milk, and some liquor may be off-limits to someone with a wheat or gluten allergy. Obviously, if you’re allergic to eggs, stay clear of eggnog.

-- Always take your epinephrine with you and keep it close at hand. Accidents can happen so you always want to be prepared.

-- Be aware of cross-contamination between foods. Did someone take the spoon they stirred the potatoes with butter with and dip it into the gravy? If the turkey is stuffed and you have a wheat or gluten allergy, the whole turkey’s been contaminated. Don’t think that the leg is safe. Dip into the safe food you brought from home instead.

For more tips, see the following pages:
WEGO Health page - How to eat out with food allergies

A list of recipe sites and cook books for cooking allergy free: WEGO Health allergy and asthma community - Cooking safely

Tips for surviving the holidays with allergies from AAAAI and Medic...

Chanuka and food allergies from KFA – includes some recipes

Allergy friendly Thanksgiving recipes from foodallergies.about.com