Leaving home without your adrenaline is non-negotiable. Despite the known risks, hidden barriers such as perceived social stigma mean that packing an adrenaline device often slips down the priority list for young people.
For some university students, adrenaline devices can feel bulky or inconvenient to carry. Others may assume they will be fine because they are only planning to eat and drink things they know are safe. But accidents can happen, particularly when you are in a new environment, eating food prepared by others or making decisions in unfamiliar situations.
For students starting university this September, it is more important than ever to think about the transition from parental care to self-care when it comes to managing allergies.
Before you head to university, give yourself an allergy refresher
Anaphylaxis UK advises young people to take some time to review their allergy and make sure they feel confident managing it independently.
Frequently asked questions:
Don’t assume it won’t happen to you
A serious allergic reaction can happen unexpectedly, even when you think you have taken every precaution. Carrying your adrenaline should become part of your routine, just like taking your phone and keys with you when you leave the house.
University is an exciting opportunity to become more independent, but managing an allergy safely is an important part of that independence. Don’t rely on someone else to carry your adrenaline, check your food or know what to do in an emergency. Prepare for the unexpected and make sure your adrenaline is with you wherever you go.
Many young people living with serious allergies can feel anxious about managing their condition independently, particularly when they are entering a new environment. At Anaphylaxis UK, we want people to feel empowered and confident rather than frightened or restricted by their allergies. Knowing your allergens, understanding how to manage your allergy and being prepared for an emergency can help give you the confidence to enjoy university life while staying safe.
Emilia Fulford-Dobson, Health Information & Services Officer, says:
“Going to university is a big step towards independence, and managing your allergy is part of that. It can be tempting to downplay your allergy or feel embarrassed about taking precautions, particularly if the people around you don’t understand how serious an allergic reaction can be. But there is nothing embarrassing about taking your allergy seriously. Being informed, prepared and confident about your allergy is empowering. Know your allergens, know how to read labels, carry your adrenaline and make sure the people around you know what to do in an emergency.”
So what can I do?
Make sure you understand what precautionary allergen labelling means and how to interpret it. Read our Allergen Thresholds factsheet for more information.
Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and what to do in an emergency. You can refresh your knowledge using our Anaphylaxis factsheet.
You don’t have to rely on memory alone to remember when your adrenaline devices expire. Sign up to your device’s free expiry alert service and they’ll send you an email reminder when it’s time to replace your devices.
Also remember to register with a local GP so you can reorder your adrenaline when its near its expiry date.
Find more information and practical advice about managing your allergy while at university on our Going to University page.