Taking an allergy kit on vacation can help you take action if you encounter an allergen that can cause a reaction. The kit can include EpiPens, antihistamines, information about the allergy, and more.
If you have a known allergy, it’s important to pack an allergy kit when you travel or go on vacation. This can include medications such as antihistamines, epinephrine auto-injectors, the neffy nasal epinephrine system, and other prescription drugs.
Wearing a medical alert bracelet and carrying information about your allergy can help alert others in an emergency.
If you are traveling by plane, make sure you carry your allergy kit in your carry-on luggage for quick and easy access.
Read on to learn more about what to pack in a vacation allergy kit, when to contact a doctor, and some next steps.
If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors, such as EpiPens, or the neffy nasal spray, it’s important to make sure you take some with you.
According to the
Pack more than one epinephrine device in your allergy kit. Make sure that they will be in date for the duration of your travel and for some time after in case of delays in returning home.
It’s best to get a note from your doctor explaining the purpose of the prescription. This can help prevent any concerns about the auto-injector when traveling or entering a different country.
If you are traveling with somebody, it is also best to instruct them on how to use the auto-injector in case of an emergency.
If you usually take antihistamines or other medications for your allergies, you can pack these in your allergy kit. Make sure you take the labels with you. It can also help to have a note from your doctor, particularly for prescription medication.
If you are flying, it’s important that you let the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer know about any medications you need to take with you. While liquids usually need to be in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces, or about 100 milliliters, larger amounts of medically necessary liquids are generally acceptable.
It is best to wear a medical alert bracelet if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction.
While you would need to wear this rather than adding it to your vacation allergy kit, it is important to remember to take it with you.
You may wish to consider wearing a second bracelet in the language of the country you are visiting if it’s different from your home country. You can also carry a translation of the medical alert bracelet with you, such as in your purse or wallet.
Your vacation allergy kit should include information about your allergy, including:
- the allergens you’re allergic to
- the medications you take
- what to do in an emergency
If you’re visiting a country where most individuals speak a language that’s different from your own, it’s best to have a copy of the allergy information in that language. This can help ensure you receive the right treatment as quickly as possible in the event of an emergency.
It can be helpful to carry a medical card in your allergy kit. It
You can also carry a chef card, which provides information about the foods or allergens you need to avoid. This can be a quick way to communicate your food allergies when eating out at restaurants while on vacation.
If you have a food allergy, you may wish to pack portable cutlery in your vacation allergy kit. If you’re using cutlery at a hotel or rental property, make sure to wash all cutlery and dishes before using them.
Where possible, you can plan ahead by looking up restaurants and other dining establishments near to where you’re staying. However, packing your own snacks in your allergy kit
Packing cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer into your vacation allergy kit is important. This allows you to wipe down surfaces and sanitize your hands on the go.
While this does not completely remove the risk of contact with allergens, it may help reduce the likelihood of transfer from one surface to another.
If you have an allergy, it’s best to speak with your doctor before you go on vacation. They can look at your existing treatment plan and ensure you have any prescriptions you need to take with you.
The CDC recommends making an appointment at least
Next steps
- Speak with your doctor to discuss your current treatment plan. They can ensure you have enough prescription medication for your vacation.
- Check the expiration dates on any epinephrine auto-injectors you have, and make sure you have enough to take with you. It’s important to instruct someone you’re traveling with on how to use the auto-injector in case you are unable to administer it yourself.
- Gather information about the allergy, such as the allergens that can trigger a reaction and what treatments you’ll require in case of an allergic reaction. A doctor’s note can help with this. If you are traveling to a country with a different language, it’s important to have a copy of this information in that language.
- If you have a food allergy, you may choose to look up restaurants in the area where you are going on vacation. If self-catering is an option, this may also help limit exposure to certain allergens.
- In case of a severe allergic reaction, learn how to contact emergency services in the area where you’re staying. It can also be helpful to identify nearby pharmacies or medical facilities.
- If you’re traveling by plane, notify the airline in advance of your food allergy. However, an airline cannot guarantee a nut-free flight. Make sure you carry your allergy kit in your carry-on luggage.
Packing a vacation allergy kit can help ensure you can treat an allergic reaction or get immediate help in the event of an emergency.
If you have a prescription for epinephrine auto-injectors, it’s important to take multiple of these with you. Other things to include in your allergy kit include antihistamines and other medications, information about the allergy, cleaning wipes, and hand sanitizer.
Be sure to speak with a doctor before going on vacation. They can provide more information about traveling with an allergy and what to steps to take if you come into contact with an allergen while on vacation.