To cancel my DDs’ allergy tests?

[Clambulance]

Both my DD’s (aged 6 and 3) were referred for allergy testing as a result of hives which have affected both of them in recent years. We have an idea of what has triggered it each time and so now avoid what we think may have been the triggers.

I have a health condition which causes me to experience hives without actually coming into contact with an allergen and my reactions have been so bad I now carry an epi pen (which I have had to use previously). The GP has referred my DD’s as a precautionary measure because of my medical history. Also, it will of course be beneficial to get confirmation that the foods we are avoiding are in fact the triggers.

I’ve had letters through asking us to take the kids to hospital next week to have their tests done. The hospital is in one of the worst hit parts of the UK and I’m just really weary of taking them. Also, my youngest sucks her thumb so is constantly touching things and then putting her thumb in her mouth.

Would I be BU to ask to postpone the appointment? Would I be best to take them? Or would you postpone if you were in my shoes?

I should also add, my eldest is asthmatic and has suffered from recurring croup basically since birth.

Thanks

I’d still take them. There will be plenty of precautions in place at the hospital and children are very low risk.

I would take them (and I'm quite risk averse). The hospital will be keeping all covid patients separate and practising good hygiene. You're probably more at risk if you stop at a supermarket on the way home.

You need to take them.

You don't want to be in a position where one of them suddenly has an anaphylactic reaction and you have to wait for an ambulance if you can avoid it - getting the tests and, if appropriate, the AAIs for small children, will mean that you will know if it ever happens, that you already have what they need.

I would take them .... after much soul searching. Completely understand your worries but long term they’re at far greater risk from severe allergic reaction. These things can take a long time to diagnose, you need to get the ball rolling.

Regular clinics are taking extraordinary care atm in terms of patient/staff safety.

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. I think you’re right. It’s just somewhere my gut feeling tells me to avoid. My kids haven’t been to school/nursery since a week before lockdown was announced. They haven’t been in a shop or anywhere else since then other than out for a walk a few times per week so I suppose I’m just feeling apprehensive about it.