Love is in the air— along with common allergens. With Valentine’s day in the middle, February is the month to celebrate love throughout classrooms, work environments and restaurants.
These celebrations are adorned with chocolates, candies, various foods and flowers— all of which contain common allergy triggers. How can you stay two steps ahead of the festivities this month and avoid allergic reactions?
Valentine’s Day is regularly celebrated in classrooms of all ages. Elementary students deliver thoughtful cards and candies to the desks of their peers; middle school students bashfully present their crushes with love notes and chocolates; high school students decorate their sweethearts’ desks in balloons and flowers.
Undoubtedly, love spreads throughout the halls on February 14, which means allergy-triggers are in abundance. When bringing flowers, candies, chocolates and other gifts to public celebrations, it’s important to consider people who may have allergies.
Choose flowers that are least likely to trigger allergies, such as hydrangeas, lilies and geraniums. Take the safe route when sharing treats and candies with classmates by choosing treats that don’t contain common allergens like nuts, milk and eggs. Read the nutrition labels of the foods you buy, and be sure everyone is aware of potential allergy-triggering ingredients. If you know you’re allergic to a common ingredient, be sure to read labels for yourself and talk to your classmates about the ingredients used in their homemade dishes.
If you’re the parent or guardian of a younger, elementary-aged child that is celebrating Valentine’s Day in the classroom, be extra cautious when buying candies and treats for your child to disperse. Talk to your child’s teacher and inquire about known allergies among the students. If your homemade treat contains nuts, make sure they’re apparent and easy for someone to detect.
If your own child has allergies, speak to the teacher to ensure they are aware of your child’s allergies. Inform your child of which items he or she cannot consume, and explain why it’s important to turn down foods that might cause an allergic reaction.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day as an adult may include a romantic dinner at home, or at a restaurant with gifts exchanged. Consider you and your date’s allergies before choosing a restaurant or cooking a meal. Find savory recipes that won’t cause your Valentine to break out in hives at the dinner table.
When it comes to gifting flowers and jewelry, consider potential allergens. Nickel is a common component of jewelry, but is also a common allergy trigger. If your gift may cause them to break out in an itchy rash, you might want to reconsider.
“Ear, nose and throat allergies are extremely common— especially near holidays. Allergic reactions should not be ignored, as they can lead to more significant medical problems. We provide allergy testing and treatment services at all of our locations, and offer different treatments based on your unique symptoms and triggers. Patients with moderate to severe allergies should visit us for an allergy evaluation and testing,” says Dr. Scott R. Anderson, a physician at Florida E.N.T. & Allergy.
Share the love this month, but save the allergic reactions. Think twice about what you choose to bring to the celebration or what you send your children to school with. Take the safer, non-allergenic route when deciding on gifts, flowers and treats to ensure everyone is able to participate in and enjoy the festivities.
The physicians of Florida E.N.T. & Allergy have served the Tampa Bay community for over 40 years. Their board certified physicians have completed extensive education and clinical training as well as specialized training in their area(s) of expertise.
From pediatric allergies to fitting hearing aids, their caring and experienced physicians specialize in ear, nose and throat care for the entire family using comprehensive, cutting edge technologies. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call (813) 879-8045 or visit Florida E.N.T. & Allergy online at www.FloridaENTandAllergy.com.