Seasonal Issues—Spring 2006
TIPS FOR VACATIONS WITH ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA
It’s not too soon to start planning for summer vacation, and with a little extra foresight, it can be the carefree time we need, even if we have asthma and allergies. The key is to anticipate possible sources of problems and determine how to prevent or manage them. Some of you may be traveling; others will be going to vacation homes or rentals. Here are some tips:
1. Choose a reasonable location. No place is completely “allergy-free,” but some places may have high pollen, mold, or dust levels at the time you are vacationing. Also be realistic about the ability to tolerate altitude, extreme climates, and animal exposures. Consider the distance to medical care
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2. Reserve smoke-free and air-conditioned accommodations and rental cars, when possible. Avoid hotels or motels where animals are allowed, if you or your child are allergic to them.
3. Make sure your allergy and asthma symptoms are well controlled before departure. Consult with your physician to fine-tune your treatment plan, if necessary, and determine what to do in case of an emergency while away. Also determine the best way to reach your physician if needed, and ask if your physician can refer you to a colleague or hospital in your vacation area.
4. Take all needed and potentially needed medications with you. Be certain they are up-to-date and properly labeled. Also ask your physician for a list of your medications on office letterhead so you can more easily obtain emergency refills.
5. Before leaving, prepare a wallet-sized card that has your personal data; physician information; emergency contacts; drug and food allergies/intolerances; prior surgery and medical illnesses; medications; emergency treatment plan; and insurance documentation.
6. If flying, carry the medications with you in your carry-on luggage, and put some extra medication in your other suitcase in case any luggage is lost.
7. Take allergy-proof pillow encasings with you, if you are allergic to dust mites. If possible, also take your own pillow and freshly washed blankets (and a mattress encasing if you will be staying in one place).
8. Upon arrival, communicate with housekeeping about your situation. If you are staying at a vacation home or condo rental, try to have it aired out before you arrive. (At your own vacation home, at the beginning of the season, try to make sure that someone without allergies is responsible for airing it out and cleaning the winter accumulation of dust).
9. If someone in the family has serious food allergies, follow the steps that you usually follow in terms of reading labels, carefully questioning waitstaff and restaurant managers about ingredients, and carrying an up-to-date EpiPen ™ with you at all times. If flying, call the airline and ask if your plane can be peanut-free (if there’s an allergy to peanuts).
10. If allergic to bee stings, follow regular precautions such as avoiding drinking from beverage cans and bottles that have been standing open outdoors (because bees can easily get inside).
11. Children going off to summer camp will need to follow many of the same types of recommendations as above. In addition, it is important for the parent to speak to the camp director about steps to avoid accidental exposures to serious allergens at camp, such as not permitting foods in bunks and making certain that the food service staff understands how to avoid cross-contamination of any ingredients to which your child is allergic