When it comes to allergies, you’re not alone—approximately 31.8% of adults in the United States deal with at least one allergy. For many, managing these symptoms at home is a daily task, but traveling adds a new level of complexity. Whether you’re hopping on a plane or hitting the road, it’s crucial to have a plan in place to stay healthy and enjoy your trip. Let’s look at a few practical tips for managing allergies while traveling.
Allergy Management Before You Leave
Add a few of these items to your pre-trip checklist to ensure safe travel:
- Stock up on allergy medication. You may not be able to get the allergy medication you need at your destination. Grab an extra bottle of over-the-counter medications and talk to your provider about restocking prescription medications.
- Pack an allergy kit. Put your allergy medication and medical ID information in an easily accessed luggage pouch. If you have severe allergies, pack an emergency epinephrine (adrenaline) shot to intervene in emergency scenarios.
- Talk to the hotel. If you’re staying in a hotel, request a non-smoking or pet-free room to minimize allergen contact.
Allergy Management During Travel
Before you hop on a plane or pack up your car for a road trip, consider a few of these allergy-friendly steps:
- Label medications for air travel. Passengers are allowed to bring allergy medication, including epinephrine shots, on an airplane. Make sure your medications have a printed prescription label. You may also want to include a note from your provider for the medication to help prevent issues at TSA.
- Replace your car air filters. Replacing the air filters in your car can help keep the ventilating and air conditioning system clean and prevent environmental allergens like mold or pollen from making their way into your vehicle.
Allergy Management at Your Destination
Once you reach your destination, follow a few simple tips for safe allergy management:
- Carry medication. One of the fun things about traveling is trying new foods and exploring new places. To help avoid allergy conflicts in these new experiences, carry backup medication and epinephrine shots with you in case of a severe reaction.
- Check the pollen count. You may have a handle on the peak pollen hours at Dublin Park, but vacation destination levels could be different. Check the pollen count in your destination ahead of time. Knowing the levels will help you plan your vacation activities.
- Change clothes. If you spend a day exploring nature, change clothes when you return to your hotel room to minimize pollen spread.
Don’t let allergies put a damper on your vacation fun. With a few simple management tips, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about allergy symptoms. For more personalized guidance on managing allergies, contact North Alabama ENT Associates today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.