What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis (pronounced ana-fil-ax-is) is a serious and often sudden allergic reaction. It can occur when someone with allergies is exposed to something they are allergic to (known as an allergen). Reactions usually begin within minutes and rapidly progress but can occur up to 2-3 hours later.

Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening and always requires an immediate emergency response.

If you have experienced a sudden allergic reaction in the past, then you may be at risk of anaphylaxis even if you have not had anaphylaxis before. We advise that you see your GP and ask for a referral to an allergy clinic.

A diagnosis of anaphylaxis can be daunting at first, but by becoming well-informed, thinking ahead and employing daily coping strategies, people affected find that life can return, almost, to normal.

Supporting People With Serious Allergies

Here are some of the ways we support people to manage day-to-day life with a serious allergy.

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About Anaphylaxis UK

Anaphylaxis UK is the only UK-wide charity operating solely for the growing numbers of people at risk of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. While there’s no treatment or cure for anaphylaxis, we believe that by providing information, training and support, there is a brighter future for people living with serious allergies.

Our mission is to create a safer environment for everyone with allergies by working with and offering training for the food industry, schools, pre-schools, colleges, health professionals and others.

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Is Your School AllergyWise®?

We offer training for teachers and all school staff. We encourage a whole school allergy awareness approach – the more staff who understand allergy and how to recognise an allergic reaction, the more likely your school will be able to safely manage pupils with allergies.

Check with your school and ask if they have done our training.

Ways You Can Help

There are many ways that you can get involved with the vital work we do! Your support has a huge impact on the lives of people with serious allergies.

Your time is as valuable as your donations, so explore the button below to discover all the ways you can help us further our mission of securing a brighter future for people at risk of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis UK's Convenient Clothes Collection

If you have a busy schedule or a large quantity of clothes to donate, Anaphylaxis UK offers a FREE pickup service.

Have your donated items collected from either your home, workplace, school or university saving you time and effort!

Living with Serious Allergies

Guidance for Parents

If you’re a parent, explore our guide all about teaching children how to live with food allergies and educating them about anaphylaxis.

Managing Allergies at University

As you leave for university, it might be the first time you’ve had to manage your allergies on your own. Make the transition a bit easier with Anaphylaxis UK.

Shopping & Preparing Food

If you or a member of your household has a food allergy, there are precautions you can take while shopping or preparing food at home to ensure food safety.

Travelling

Allergies can be stressful, especially when you’re in a busy airport or in new and unfamiliar surroundings. Follow our top tips and be as prepared as possible to stay safe and confident while travelling.

Allergy Outlook is our monthly newsletter

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Latest News from Anaphylaxis UK

All of our latest news posts. Click through to read more.

Tick bite prevention week: understanding alpha-gal allergy  26th March 2025

This year, for Tick Prevention Week (25-31 March), we are shining a spotlight on alpha-gal allergy, an unusual type of food allergy that can start with a tick bite.  What is alpha-gal allergy?   Alpha-gal allergy is an allergic reaction to a
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Travelling this Easter: the allergy checklist  25th March 2025

As the Easter holidays approach, many of us are planning trips, whether within the UK or abroad. If you or your child has allergies, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure a safe and stress-free holiday. Here’s a handy
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Parent experience: the impact of allergies on family life 25th March 2025

Many parents reach out to us at different stages of their parenting journey, whether their child has been newly diagnosed with an allergy, is starting school, going on holiday, or moving to university halls. It’s easy to forget that allergies
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Allergy Alerts

Soya alert – various Tesco Free From Meal Kits 25th March 2025

Product name: Tesco Free From Katsu Curry Meal Kit Pack size: 250g Best before: All date codes up to and including 12/12/2025 Product name: Tesco Free From Sweet & Sour Meal Kit Pack size: 250g Best before: All date codes
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Sulphur dioxide (sulphites) alert – Hogan’s Farm Turkey Burgers 21st March 2025

Product name: Hogan’s Farm Turkey Burgers Pack size: 400g Use by: 25 March 2025, 26 March 2025 and 28 March 2025 We have been alerted by Hogan’s Turkey that it is recalling its Hogan’s Farm Turkey Burgers from sale because
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Sesame alert – various AL Burj Halva products 21st March 2025

Product name: AL Burj Halva Plain Pack size: 350g & 700g Best before: 01 November 2026, Batch code: 307001 Product name: AL Burj Halva Plain Pack size: 1800g Best before: 06 May 2026, Batch code: 128001 Product name: AL Burj
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