It is important that you know what causes your allergic reaction. Consult a specialist to identify your trigger so that you can prevent an anaphylactic episode.

Educate yourself, family, caretakers and friends about allergies, anaphylactic reactions and treatment options

• Be informed about food associated with the trigger and learn how to read food labels

• Inform your school teachers, people at your workplace, and friends about your allergy so that they can take the appropriate action if necessary 

• Learn how to administer an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector on yourself

• Check the expiry date of the adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector regularly and ensure that you have a functioning adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector

• Carry a medical alert card in cases of emergencies

• Test yourself to identify specific foods, stinging and biting insects, or medications as likely causes of a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Prevent an allergic reaction

• Avoid exposure to allergans that trigger your allergy

• Read food labels carefully before purchasing to know the ingredients of the food/drink you are consuming, and prevent consumption of food associated with the trigger

• Ask about the ingredients when dining out. If in doubt, do not consume the food

• Recognize alternative names of the allergen. For example, whey also refers to cow’s milk

• Carry an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector with you at all times

  • If you are prescribed two adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors, carry both along with you

• Know how to administer an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector on yourself

Learn how to identify symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and administer treatment

• Be informed about the possible allergic reactions that may happen upon contact with triggers

  • Parents and primary caretakers must be able to identify symptoms of anaphylaxis and administer treatment

• Know where your adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors are stored (at home, in school, at the workplace or in your bag)

• Be aware of the expiry date for the self-administered adrenaline auto-injectors, and always ensure that you have a functioning adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector

If you are or think you might be at risk of severe allergic reactions, it is important to see your doctor to be diagnosed and to receive advice on the right treatment for your condition