So we can manage our food allergies during the day, at work, at university and even at restaurants but how do we manage our food allergies during a Night Out?
Preparing for a Night Out
Medication
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EPI-PENS: Always carry at least 2 Adrenaline Auto-Injectors at ALL times.
Store your auto-injectors correctly and clearly label them with your name and simple instructions.
You could store your 2 auto-injectors in a clear, resealable zip-lock plastic bag with a label stating;Your Name, and instructions: ‘Inject into thigh and call an ambulance’.
Although the auto-injector has instructions on it, in a situation where one person may be holding the auto-injector, others can concentrate on the next step of calling the ambulance. A zip-lock plastic bag is very useful as it stores the 2 auto-injectors together. They can be moved easily from bag to bag and are always visible if someone is searching for them. It prevents liquid damage and they are already packed and ready to go through any security in airports, museums or public buildings.
No matter where you plan to go for the evening, ensure that you have your adrenaline auto-injectors stored safely in your pocket, bag, clutch, belt or somewhere accessible.
Sometimes for concerts only a clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag is permitted so check in advance what bags are allowed and if its only clear bags then purchase one in advance that’s an appropriate size for your belongings; phone, money along with your adrenaline auto-injectors and medication.
The last thing you want is to be trying to fit your phone, money and medication in your pockets.-
Antihistamine tablets and Inhalers
Depending on your condition, may be advised to carry additional medication with you.
You could store this medication in a similar clear, resealable, bag labelled with your name and instructions.
Planning the Night Out
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If going to a restaurant or for drinks- Read the post Eating Out here
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If friends have already booked a restaurant that you do not feel safe eating in, you can still meet them and not eat or just meet them after dinner for drinks.
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On the Night Out
With Friends
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Inform your friends about your food allergy and at the beginning of the night out, let them know where exactly your adrenaline auto-injectors are located.
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Tell them what to do if an allergic reaction occurs and who to contact
Pre Drinks
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Ask whoever is hosting to send a text along with the pre-drinks invitation stating that a flatmate/friend has a food allergy to (name allergen) and not to bring any food/snacks or drinks that contain that allergen.
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Bring your own beverage and mixer if needed as some mixers may contain your allergen, eg. flavoured drinks, coconut, egg whites, dairy, wheat, rye, barley, sulphates.
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Note that alcohol can decrease your ability to make sensible decisions and can decrease the threshold level to trigger an allergic reaction. Alcohol can reduce the amount of an allergen required to cause an allergic reaction, to non-alcoholic substances such as foods and cosmetics.
Post Night Out Feed
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We all know the feeling of craving food or a takeaway after a night out! However, late night Take Aways are often extremely busy after a night out and staff hand out orders to customers as fast as they can without focusing on special dietary requests. This could increase the risk of cross-contact with other foods or ingredients in the kitchen.
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Bring your own beverage and mixer if needed as some mixers may contain your allergen, eg. flavoured drinks, coconut, egg whites, dairy, wheat, rye, barley, sulphates.
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Note that alcohol can decrease your ability to make sensible decisions and can decrease the threshold level to trigger an allergic reaction. Alcohol can reduce the amount of an allergen required to cause an allergic reaction, to non-alcoholic substances such as foods and cosmetics.
Date Night
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You may think you do not need to discuss your allergies or allergy precautions with others as you feel you can manage them on your own. However, it is important to inform those around you and those in your social circle about your allergies. Even if it’s a friend that informs other about your allergies.
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You should choose the restaurant or location, ensuring that it’s allergy friendly and you have eaten there before. You should openly discuss your allergies are the reason you choose the particular place, and this helps to bring up the topic casually and early in the conversation.
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When you order your food or drink in a restaurant, openly discuss your allergies to the staff.
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Your allergies do not define you, but they are part of you and those around you should be aware of this and take the necessary precautions to make you feel comfortable and safe.
Contaminated Taxi’s or Public Transport
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In February 2020, there were three separate incidents where peanut butter was spread on the handgrip poles on the trains in New York City. This is extremely dangerous and upsetting for those with peanut and nut allergies and indicates that we must always be aware of our surroundings.
Public transport systems, hand-grip poles, door handles and seat belts may all have allergen residue on them after someone has eaten the allergen and then used them. It is recommended to carry and hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes with you and to follow the same precautions as you would if you were avoiding a flu when using public transport.
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Avoid sitting next to a person who is eating.
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Try to get a seat rather than standing beside a hand grip, as then you won’t have to touch the handrail- if this is not possible carry sanitizing wipes so you can quickly wipe down the handrail/ handles/arm rests or table in front of you.
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Check your seat before sitting down to check if there’s any food wrappers/food waste on the seat or on the arm rests.
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Wash your hands as soon as possible after using public transport- Metal poles, straps, tray tables, seat belts, and other surfaces passengers touch which can be contaminated with microbes and bacteria.
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If someone is eating an allergen on your journey and you feel uncomfortable, kindly ask them not to eat it for the duration of the journey. You could say ‘’I’m sorry to bother you but I’m allergic to —, would you mind eating that later’’. Usually people are very understanding and are often apologetic but if they are not showing consideration for your safety then move seats if you can.
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Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and use after transport, touching doors, handles, cupboard or drawer handles and most definitely before you handle your own food.
