The schoolies season is nearly here. If you have food allergy there are a few things to think about to help you have an amazing time!
If you choose to drink alcohol, remember that drinks, especially cocktails, can contain food allergens. Be aware that labelling laws for alcohol are different to packaged food. Alcohol may cause you to make decisions you normally wouldn’t, like eating something high risk. Alcohol can also cause an allergic reaction to be more severe due to changes that alcohol does to your body.
Tips to reducing risk if you have food allergy and choose to drink alcohol at schoolies
- Always have at least one adrenaline injector and your ASCIA Action Plan with you
- Always tell staff serving food or drinks about your allergies and ask if your food or drink contains your allergen.
- Keep drinks simple. Like with food, the fewer the ingredients the lesser the risk.
- Choose something you have had before and have been ok with. Schoolies is not the best place to try new foods or drinks.
- Plan ahead. Contact the manufacturer before going to schoolies if you want to know if a drink contains your food allergens.
Keeping safe at schoolies with food allergy tips
- Make sure you have safe food at your accommodation. Try to plan in advance where you can eat safe food if eating out. Even safer is to eat before you go out.
- Always have a friend with you who knows about your food allergy and how to treat an allergic reaction. Even better, have a friend who can take charge if needed. Someone who will tell you to lie down and give the adrenaline injector if you have anaphylaxis and are not thinking clearly.
- Consider wearing medical identification jewellery.
And have a great time!
For more information on going to schoolies see the Allergy250k website – Food Allergy and Schoolies – ALLERGY 250K.
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