Answers to All of Your Questions Regarding Food Allergies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions surrounding food allergies and their relationship with COVID-19. You’ll also be introduced to two important tools, Divoti allergy bracelets and Divoti EpiPen tags, which can help to save your life in the case of an allergic reaction.

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system response to certain foods. Your body mistakenly attacks normal proteins in these foods, identifying them as harmful substances. The proteins that cause an allergic reaction are referred to as allergens.

When allergens are introduced into the body, your immune system triggers cells to release immunoglobulin E, or IgE, an antibody that works to neutralize the allergen. The next time you consume that particular food, IgE antibodies pick up on it, communicating with your immune system and causing histamines and other chemicals to be released into your body. These histamines cause allergy symptoms, which can range from mild to life-threatening.

Since food allergies can be extremely serious, it’s very important for those with a food allergy to wear Divoti allergy bracelets. Divoti’s high-quality medical alert bracelets can be customized to include information regarding your allergy. In the event that you cannot communicate with medical professionals yourself, Divoti allergy bracelets can speak for you and ensure you get the care you need.

What are the most common food allergies?

The top eight food allergies include cow’s milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, wheat, soy, and fish. Oftentimes, young children have food allergies that they then grow out of. This is especially true when it comes to cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, and soy. Less common, but still notable food allergies include aniseed, avocado, banana, celery, chamomile, garlic, kiwi fruit, linseed, mustard seeds, passion fruit, peach, and sesame seeds.

What are the symptoms of a food allergy?

Food allergy symptoms can be very mild, with some slight itching or tingling around the mouth. Or they can be much more severe, as in the case of anaphylaxis. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of common food allergy symptoms.

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness and/or lightheadedness
• Eczema
• Fainting
• Hives
• Itchy or tingly mouth
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, throat, face, or other body parts
• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing

In the case of anaphylaxis, you may notice the following symptoms. Emergency treatment is necessary when an allergic reaction reaches this level of severity.

• Constricting or tightening airways
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness and/or lightheadedness
• Loss of consciousness
• Rapid pulse
• Shock
• Severe drop in blood pressure
• Swollen throat

What is the treatment for food allergies?

While there is no cure for food allergies, the best thing to do is to avoid allergens in the first place. Be mindful of nutrition labels and ingredient lists. When going out to eat, be sure to communicate with restaurant staff regarding your food allergies.

Unfortunately, allergic reactions do happen even when precautions are taken. That’s why many people with food allergies carry an EpiPen with them at all times. An EpiPen is a spring-loaded syringe of epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. When administered correctly, EpiPens reduce allergic reaction symptoms in about five minutes and work to stop the allergic reaction altogether.

Can COVID-19 be worse for those with food allergies?

There is no evidence that those with food allergies are at higher risk of catching the coronavirus, nor that the virus would be any more severe due to having food allergies. Having an allergy is not equivalent to being immunocompromised. However, any viral infection followed by exposure to allergens can lead to a more severe allergic reaction. Therefore, special care should be taken to avoid allergens as much as possible during the pandemic and especially if you have the coronavirus.

What precautions should those with a food allergy take during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Keep two EpiPens and antihistamine medication with you at all times.
• Put an emergency food allergy plan in place. It is recommended to wear both Divoti medical bracelets and to have a Divoti EpiPen tag indicating your EpiPen’s location. This way, medical professionals will be alerted that you have an allergy, and they will be able to find and use your EpiPen and provide you with the appropriate treatment.
• Use epinephrine as early as possible if you feel an allergic reaction coming on. Epinephrine will not harm you if you are not having an allergic reaction, but it’s most effective when used at the onset of the allergic reaction. It is a safe, fast, and effective drug.
• Any symptoms that are more than skin irritations such as itchiness and hives indicate that you should use your EpiPen. Remember the saying, “More than skin, Epi goes in.”

How can a Divoti EpiPen tag help those with allergies?

Along with Divoti allergy bracelets, a Divoti EpiPen tag can help communicate for you in the case that you cannot talk to medical professionals yourself. It indicates the location of your EpiPen so that it can be located and administered as quickly as possible.

The Divoti EpiPen tag is constructed from surgical stainless steel for ultimate durability and corrosion resistance. Each side of the tag features a hand-polished red Star of Life with the snake and staff, along with the lettering “EPIPEN INSIDE.” You can choose between three different stainless steel attachments for your convenience: a zipper pull, quick clip, or cable loop. Whichever one you choose, you can rest assured that the combination of allergy bracelets and a EpiPen tag will get you the medical care that you need.