TRAVEL, ALLERGIES & EMERGENCIES
Travel
Audio By Carbonatix
By Dr Autumn Burnette MD
With summer fast approaching, millions of families are eagerly finalizing itineraries for what is expected to be a busy travel season. With more than 44% of Americans planning to take a vacation this summer1, it is critical that the travel checklist for many families includes a plan to stay safe from any potential allergy-related emergencies.
As an Allergist and Immunologist dedicated to treating children and adults with allergies, I’ve seen how serious and life-threatening allergies can be. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that not all allergies are alike. Seasonal allergies, which many people experience, are triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or pet dander. These allergies are readily managed.
But severe allergies are much more concerning and alarmingly prevalent. There are 40 million people in the United States who experience Type 1 allergic reactions2 due to food, such as peanuts and shellfish, as well as from insect stings, or venom. These numbers become even more worrisome when you consider that, in the last three years, approximately 20 million people have been diagnosed and treated for severe Type I allergic reactions that may lead to anaphylaxis2: when the body’s immune system overreacts to the allergen.Of this population, the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization estimates that roughly 1 in 13 children are affected by food allergies, and a significant portion of children with food allergies, nearly 40%, have a history of severe reactions that could require medical intervention3.
Severe allergic reactions can manifest in different ways. Some people get hives, redness, itchy skin, nausea, and vomiting. In other cases, the reaction can be potentially life-threatening due to difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and face, and loss of consciousness.
Practical tips for staying safe
Since allergic reactions can happen at any time, it is important to be diligent in rooting out hidden allergens and to always be prepared for treatment if and when an allergic reaction occurs. Here’s some advice on protecting yourself and your loved ones as you spend time away from home this summer:
Be mindful in restaurant
Ask your server about the methods of food preparation when dining out. Check to see that the restaurant takes steps against cross contamination in food storage and prep to prevent the physical transfer of harmful allergens. You can even wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace with allergy information and pack safe foods just in case the restaurant is unable to provide an allergen free meal for you.
Be vigilant about food ingredients
An important way to protect against hidden allergens is to be cautious about hidden ingredients in food. You can do this by carefully reading labels, particularly “may contain” warnings for those allergic to common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, or shellfish. Check condiments too, as these can also contain hidden allergens.
Pack your allergy card
If you are planning a trip, make sure you have an allergy card so you can communicate which food you need to avoid. Create a list of steps to take if you experience an allergic reaction and keep a copy with you. Allergy cards are often available in other languages if you are traveling abroad.
Be aware of personal care products
Sunscreen is a staple for every family during summer travel. But like other personal care products, sunscreen contains fragrances that mask chemical smells but are also a common allergen that can result in skin reactions such as hives.
Reducing risk in an emergency
Paramount to staying safe this summer travel season is to always be prepared for allergy-related emergencies. When a severe allergic reaction happens, time is of the essence; symptoms must be treated immediately.
That’s why people with severe allergies always carry epinephrine, which has long been the best medication to stop a reaction. Until recently, epinephrine was only available for administration via an auto-injector. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the only needle-free epinephrine nasal spray called neffy® (epinephrine nasal spray) for emergency treatment of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, in adults and children aged 4 years and older who weigh 33 lbs. or greater.4
For adults and children, who are afraid of needles5,6 – a fear that could delay treatment during a severe allergic reaction – is a friendly and designed to be an easy-to-use option. What also makes it a valuable part of your summer travel planning is the fact that you don’t have to worry about temperatures with neffy. While it should be stored at room temperature, it can withstand temperatures as high as 122◦ F 7, so you can easily put it in your beach bag or be less concerned if you leave it in a hot car.
By remaining vigilant and taking these important and practical steps, you and your family can better enjoy your upcoming summer travel plans, making memories while staying protected from allergy-related emergencies.
References:
1. NerdWallet. 2025 Summer Travel Report. Available at: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/2025-summer-travel-report?ajs_uid=e8b96b28ecb15cb064234b8e30e1928f9f71e9bc8ed21ea90e1eb00e30c69cb4. Accessed May 15, 2025.
2. Food Allergy Research & Education. Facts and Statistics. Available at Facts and Statistics - FoodAllergy.org. Accessed May 29, 2025.
3. ARS Corporate Presentation. January 2025.
4. neffy Epinephrine Nasal Spray Full Prescribing Information. ARS Pharma. 03-2025.
5. CDC. Needle Fears and Phobias - Find Ways to Manage. Available at: Needle Fears and Phobia - Find Ways to Manage | CDC. Accessed June 28, 2024.
6. Alsbrooks K, Hoerauf K. Prevalence, causes, impacts, and management of needle phobia: An international survey of a general adult population. PLoS One. 2022 Nov 21;17(11):e0276814. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276814.
7. neffy Epinephrine Nasal Spray Full Prescribing Information. ARS Pharma. 03-2025.
