Holiday Party Survival Tips for People With Food and Seasonal Allergies
The holiday season is here, bringing a flurry of invitations to parties and social gatherings—a perfect time to reconnect with friends and family.
For most, the biggest worry is juggling a packed schedule of festivities. But for those with allergies—whether food-related or seasonal—this joyful time can require a bit more mindfulness and preparation.
Having allergies doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. With a few extra precautions, you can fully enjoy the celebrations and make the most of the holiday season.
Surviving Holiday Parties For People With Food Allergies
- Make sure to communicate your allergies
When attending holiday parties and social gatherings hosted by someone else, do not hesitate to communicate your allergies. This allows the host to prepare allergen-free food options. You can also let other guests know about your allergies so they can help alert you of the presence of allergens in the food choices.
- Always read the labels on food options
Make sure you always read food labels carefully. You can also ask the host about the ingredients or preparations of the food. Knowing exactly what went in each dish will help you know what’s safe and what’s not.
- It’s okay to bring at least one safety food
You can bring your own food to the party to ensure you have something safe to eat. Bringing your own food ensures that you have an option that’s completely allergen-free for you and you can even share it with others at the party.
- Be mindful of cross-contamination
Cross-contamination is a major concern for food allergy sufferers. If you can, bring your own utensils to avoid cross-contamination. You can also place your safe food in a space where it will not come in contact with other foods that contain your allergens. Additionally, people should be encouraged to use separate utensils when serving shared food to their plates.
- It’s safer to stick to whole, unprocessed foods
At parties, your safest options are whole foods like plain meats, fruits, and vegetables. They’re simple, unprocessed, and are less likely to contain allergens. If you’re not sure how a dish is prepared, opt for these instead.
- Emergency allergy medication always comes in handy
Always carry emergency allergy medication with you – whether they’re pills or an EpiPen. Keep it in a safe spot and inform someone at the party where it is, so they can help you if an emergency arises.
- Be well-versed in local food trends
Food allergy trends vary depending on where you are. Stay informed of Arizona’s local food trends. Get enough information on the common ingredients used in holiday dishes and how they can affect or trigger your allergies.
Surviving Holiday Parties For People With Seasonal Allergies
- It’s better to stick to indoor parties
People with seasonal allergies will find it in their best interest to stick to indoor parties during the holiday seasons, especially if pollen and allergen counts are high. Stay away from areas with a lot of trees, plants, and flowers.
- Keep windows and doors closed
If parties are held indoors, make sure that doors and windows stay closed or are mostly closed throughout the rest of the party. This minimizes your exposure to outdoor allergens that can enter the indoor space.
- Always check pollen and allergen counts
Build a habit of always checking pollen and allergen counts before heading out. This lets you know what necessary precautions to take to minimize allergic reactions.
- Take the necessary allergy medication
Take your allergy medication when necessary. Antihistamines can help allergy sufferers manage the swelling and inflammation brought about by allergies.
- Protective clothing and gear go a long way
Wear protective clothing like jackets, scarves, gloves, and face coverings to protect yourself from allergen exposure. Additionally, once you get home, immediately change out of your outdoor clothes and get in the shower to wash away any allergens and harmful particles that managed to stick to you during your time outdoors.
- Be mindful of indoor allergens too
Indoor allergens can also be at an all-time high as more people tend to stay indoors, even for social gatherings. Be wary of common indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. Run an air purifier to ensure good indoor air quality.
Manage Holiday Allergies With Arizona Breathe Free
Having allergies shouldn’t stop you from going full festive this holiday season. Book an appointment today and allow Arizona Breathe Free to help you manage your symptoms this holiday season!