Allergies affect more than 50 million people in the US alone. When traveling this can take the form of mild sniffling and sneezing from featherbeds in Switzerland, or severe reactions to a food allergy in an unfamiliar restaurant in France.
If you are planning to travel abroad, check with your allergist-immunologist about any vaccinations or immunizations you might need, and make sure you get scheduled allergy shots before you leave. Keep your allergist’s phone number and other emergency contact information on-hand. Locate an allergist or medical center in the area you are visiting in case you need an urgent appointment. Call ahead to verify they accept your insurance.
When booking rooms, ask for a nonsmoking room with air conditioning and a portable air cleaner. Also ask for wood, tile, or vinyl floors. If some of these things are not available, you can wear a face mask or bring your own air cleaner.
Nearly 98% of allergists recommend taking along protective bedding. It is an easy and affordable way to stave off allergy symptoms while away from home. Consider traveling with an allergen barrier pillow protector to help minimize symptoms in hotels or while on the road.
When traveling by air, take an antihistamine in advance. Notify the airline if you have food allergies, and drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol to stay hydrated. An epinephrine shot is permitted on board. It must have a printed label from the pharmacy or drug maker stating the name of the medicine or the maker. You also should carry a letter from your doctor stating your medical condition and the need for you to carry your medication on board. Pack medications in your carry-on luggage, and in their original bottles to avoid questions at customs.
Seasonal allergies may dictate when you travel. Check weather and pollen forecasts for your U.S. vacation choices, then plan accordingly. For instance, late August or early September is not the best time to visit New York, because the pollen count is high. If you go there in November, you’ll be much more comfortable.
The best bet for allergy sufferers is to head to the beach or the mountains any time of year. Ocean breezes are generally free of allergens and dust mites don’t thrive at elevations above 2,500 feet. Mold spores are killed by snow. But remember to roll up the windows and turn on the air for those long car rides. Be sure to use the recirculating fan to keep the cab allergy free.
People with skin allergies may find that sunscreen, sun tanning cream, hair lightener and other products used in the summer might act as irritants to the skin if you are sensitive. Proceed with care in using new products.
Know what you’re allergic to, and do your homework. Then make a list of the supplies you’ll need to bring. With the right planning you can have a fantastic allergy free vacation.
Author: Jacob Maslow, Marketing Director at Allergy Be Gone
Sources:
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=17&cont=180
http://www.education.com/reference/article/dream-vacation-food-allergies-s-possible/
http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/travelingwithallergies.stm
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Thanks Jason for an informative article. I guess cruises are a good choice for allergy sufferers?
Food allergies account for less than 10% of all allergies in dogs and cats.
For pollen allergy symptoms, nothing beats cear clean air of the ocean. If you have mold allergies or other sensitivities, you need to be careful.
Best to keep your doc in the loop. We have a listing of doctors at http://www.bit.ly/ALLERGIST
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