Travelling with an allergy
Travelling with an allergy
Before you travel with an allergy
If you have an
allergy
, make sure you visit your doctor before you travel, especially if you are at risk of a
severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
or an
asthma attack
.
Your doctor can prescribe a supply of medication for your travel and update your
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Action Plan for
Anaphylaxis
External Link
to include a travel action plan.
Make a list and plan for your allergy triggers (allergens), because travel can increase your risk of exposure to allergens such as:
food ingredients –
shellfish, fish
,
egg
,
peanuts, tree nuts
and seeds
insects
dust
and
mould
seasonal pollen
– depending on the time of year that you travel.
Travelling with the possibility of severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks means you need to take additional precautions. ASCIA has a thorough
pre-travel checklist for people travelling with allergies, asthma and
anaphylaxis
External Link
.
Travelling with mild allergies
If you are travelling with mild allergies such as
hay fever
, speak with your doctor about what medication or precautions you will need to take.
If you have an allergy but do not need to carry an adrenaline (epinephrine) injector, it is still recommended that you carry an
ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic
Reactions
External Link
.
Travelling with a risk of severe allergic reaction
If you are at risk of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), be sure to plan well for your trip. Speak with your doctor and make sure you understand your allergy and medication.
When you travel, be sure to carry:
an adrenaline injector on all flights – carry this in hand luggage in case you need it or your luggage is lost in transit. Do not stow it in the overhead lockers. Keep it accessible
a device to call for help (mobile phone) at all times while you are away
an
ASCIA Travel
Plan
External Link
for people at risk of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) – filled in and signed by your doctor
an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis for use with your adrenaline injector (EpiPen® or Anapen®)
a supply of medication to cover the time you will be away – and a bit extra in case you need to stay longer. Check expiry dates and take medication in original packaging
a letter from your doctor listing your allergies and medication
travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions.
Travelling with food allergies
Travelling with
food allergies
can be difficult, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction. Do some research about food labelling in the countries you will be visiting. It is also important to consider which airline will be best able to accommodate your dietary needs.
Investigate the contact details of emergency services in your country of destination. Note the number for the switchboard in your hotel as this may vary. Consider a foreign language travel card about your allergy to show restaurants in your destination.
Food allergies and flying
Check all airlines’ policies for food allergies before you book. Not all airlines may be able to accommodate your needs. Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia has a
fact sheet with the major airlines’ food allergy
policies
External Link
. Some airlines may ask you to sign an indemnity form if you have a peanut allergy.
Take other precautions as described above if you are at risk of severe allergic reaction. Make sure you carry your adrenaline injector on your flight in your hand luggage or clothing. Do not check-in allergy medications as you may need the adrenaline during the flight, or your luggage and your medication may be delayed or lost in transit.
Travelling with asthma
If you have your
asthma
under control, flying in a pressurised cabin should not be a problem. If you are in doubt, check with your doctor. Your doctor can also make sure your asthma action plan is updated.
When you travel you will potentially be exposed to high levels of
allergy triggers (allergens)
that can make your asthma worse. Plan ahead and make sure you always have:
enough medication to cover your trip plus a bit extra in case you need it
your supply of medication both as carry-on (don’t stow it in the overhead lockers – keep it accessible) and checked luggage – in case any of your luggage is delayed or lost
a letter from your doctor listing your allergies, asthma and medication
an up-to-date asthma action plan
travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions.
Where to get help
In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) – or the emergency number in the country in which you are travelling
Emergency department of your nearest hospital
Your
GP (doctor)
NURSE-ON-CALL
. Tel.
1300 606 024
– for health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
(ASCIA)
External Link
–
Locate a
specialist
External Link
St John Ambulance
Australia
External Link
Tel.
1300 360 455
Allergy and Anaphylaxis
Australia
External Link
Asthma
Australia
External Link
Tel.
1800 278 462