Avoid triggers
If you have a food allergy, always read labels carefully. If you are eating out, including take-aways, always ask questions about exactly what is in your food and drinks. If you’re not sure, don’t eat or drink it – not even a little bit, as just a small amount of your trigger could cause an allergic reaction.
Be ready
Always carry your adrenaline auto-injector with you wherever you are. If your doctor has said you need a second injection to deal with your symptoms, make sure you always carry two adrenaline auto-injectors. You may find it easier to keep pens in different places, such as work/school, and home.
Make sure you know how to use your adrenaline auto-injector – practise regularly!
Don’t delay
If you think you have come into contact with your trigger, you must use your adrenaline auto-injector immediately if you start to experience serious symptoms. If your symptoms are milder, have your adrenaline auto-injector ready just in case the symptoms get worse, which can happen very quickly. You must dial 112, ask for an ambulance and state ‘anaphylaxis’ (pronounced ‘anna-fill-axis’) immediately after using your adrenaline auto-injector.
Explain to others
It is important that your family, friends, teachers or workmates know what to do if you have an anaphylactic reaction – you may not always be able to inject yourself. Making sure others know what to do could save your life in an emergency.
