As the school holidays are almost here, many families will begin packing and preparing to go on holiday. For families with children suffering from allergies, this means planning ahead to ensure the holiday is as stress-free as possible.
Family Holidays with Children Suffering from Allergies
Planning a family holiday when one's child has either multiple or severe allergies does not have to be difficult. As identified by Goldman (2009) in Allergies: A Parent's Guide, there is a range of ways to make family holidays run safely and smoothly. If possible, self-catering may be the simplest option, although one can ask the travel agent if they are aware of hotels which cater for children on a restricted diet. Many hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts will state on their website as to whether they are able to cater for those with food allergies.
The travel agent or one's GP should know (or be able to find out) where the nearest medical centre or hospital is located in the chosen holiday destination. In addition to making sure the child has enough medication to last at least a few days beyond the holiday, ensure that one's travel insurance policy includes cover for allergy treatments.
Travelling by Plane with Childhood Allergy Sufferers
Before booking air travel, find out whether the airline operates a nut-free catering policy, or if they take any other types of precaution. Goldman (2009) also recommends that parents notify the airline, if they intend to travel with an adrenaline auto-injector, such as an EpiPen or Anapen. It is helpful to have a letter from the family doctor conforming the child requires such as device, as well as to let cabin crew know about the allergy after boarding. Packing food supplies to eat at the airport, on both the inbound and outbound trip, is especially helpful in case delays should arise.
It is also useful for the child to become accustomed to wearing a medical ID bracelet (or necklace) before the holiday. This provides foreign doctors with key, internationally recognised information regarding the child's health problems.
As highlighted above, planning holidays well in advance, in addition to informing airlines about carrying an EpiPen for anaphylaxis treatment, makes preparing for family holidays less stressful. Check that travel insurance covers allergy treatments before heading off, and locate the nearest hospital or medical clinic in case of emergency. Also, make sure all prescribed medication is packed in hand luggage, in addition to any complementary treatments, used to help manage the child's symptoms.
Source:
Goldman, V. (2009) Allergies: A Parent's Guide Peterborough: Need 2 Know
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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