On Air Archive

The campaign, called “Check & Carry” has been developed by The Anaphylaxis Campaign charity in response to an urgent need to alert people who carry adrenaline injectors to check their device to ensure the medicine hasn’t expired and to carry it at all times. 

As Dr Adam Fox, Consultant Paediatric Allergist, London reminded us on on-air, “Having an anaphylactic reaction can be an incredibly frightening experience as well as potentially life threatening for the patient. Patients who are at risk need to be prepared to deal with a reaction when it occurs and in the case of nut allergies in particular, reactions seem to be more common around the festive season. It is vitally important that anybody who is prescribed an adrenaline injector has been shown how to use it and carries it with them at all time as well as checking that it is in date - it may just save your life.”

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that progresses rapidly and can be fatal if not managed quickly. Around 210,000 patients in the UK are prescribed adrenaline injectors   ready to use in an emergency situation to immediately counter the allergic reaction whilst waiting for medical help.  In December and January approaching 250,000 adrenaline injectors carried by patients in the UK will expire.

Christmas and New Year is a potentially hazardous time for people with food allergies as everyone tends to socialise more and individuals are exposed to a variety of different foods that they haven’t prepared themselves.  Caution is urged when choosing foods that aren’t immediately familiar and people should always ask the host or caterer about ingredients if they are in any doubt.  Nuts also tend to be more readily available around this time of year and with 1 in every 70 children allergic to peanuts, parents of allergic children need to be extra vigilant.   Alcohol consumption may decrease vigilance regarding avoiding allergic triggers such as nuts and is also a known factor in increasing the risk of anaphylaxis.

Lynne Regent, Chief Executive of The Anaphylaxis Campaign explained,  “We certainly don’t want to stop people having fun over the coming weeks; we are simply suggesting that extra care is taken so everyone can enjoy themselves over the party season safe in the knowledge they are well-prepared and this includes checking that adrenaline injectors are in date and that they are carried at all times.  There’s a wealth of information and tips on our website for anyone needing more information at www.anaphylaxis.org.uk.”