Peanut allergy and holiday/flights

[susie2014]

My four year old son has been diagnosed with an egg allergy and peanut allergy through skin prick tests. I have booked us a holiday to Italy but now I am panicking about it, especially the flight. As far as I know, he has not had a reaction to peanuts, as he hasn't had any before, therefore he has no epi-pen.

So far, he has only been prescribed Cetirizine in case of reactions - do you think he should have an epi-pen for the flight really?

I am also worried about mosquitoes now too! Will buy some repellent to check for reactions before we go but does anyone know if there are any sprays you should avoid if you are peanut-allergic?

[Willow2016]

Not sure about the mozzies spray but if you tell the cabin crew (i.e fill in the info bit online) and remind them when you get on the plane they wont sell peanuts and will ask the passengers not to eat any they have brought. This happened when we came back from USA this month. You can also order special meals for him during the flight if you are having meals.

Best bet is to ask your doctor about the epi- pen also just take his anti histamine before he gets on the plane and have some to hand. Your chemist can put some in a small bottle and label it for you to take on the plane in the required plastic bag. Mine did for ds2.

[BluePitchFork]

cetirizine - the tablets are really small and easy to take with a bit of yoghurt or jam. much easier to handle when travelling. dc took them no problem at that age (half a tablet mornings and evenings)

[susie2014]

Thank you both for the advice - I will make sure the airline know in advance and ensure I have his Cetirizine to hand. I've made an appointment with my GP to ask about epi pens although I suspect he'll think I'm over-reacting because he hasn't had a reaction so far!

[Sweetpeas20]

Hi - I know this will be after your hols but I've been away too! Just to reassure you that we have a severely allergic child (now a strapping 21 year old), and we have flown multiple long hauls flights, lived in the Far East, eaten in countries where none of us spoke the language and it has all been fine. He's just come back from a choir tour in China. However, we ALWAYS carry Epipens! I suggest going back to GP and demanding them. Failing that, get them on private prescriptions - they cost about £50.

[ClubTropicanaDrinks]

We flew to/from Italy in July and there were no peanuts available. I think maybe airlines are steering clear of them now.