Latex Allergy

[wendywhite]

Hi, hope that this is ok to post on this forum but I need some advice please. I have recently been issued with an epipen for a latex allergy (difficult cos I work in medicine!) however my main concern is the flight. If my meal is prepared/handled by someone wearing latex, or if I sit too close to anyone who is wearing some types of synthetic fibres then it can be quite distressing. Does anyone have any experience of flying with a latex allergy please, or how much the aitlines specifically BA, take it seriously. Thanks for any advice! :smile:

[1964apple]

Sorry to hear about your latex allergy. My daughter was diagnosed when she was 2. She has several orther life threatening allergies as well. I can recommend latex allergy support group. The food on most planes cannot be confirmed as being made without the use of latex gloves. We usually take our own. I always speak with the special needs department of the airline and check that the staff do not use latex gloves to clear away any rubbish. My daughter who is now 8 usually takes an antihistamine prior to flying and eats just before take off and then she eats what we have taken with her.

Latex gloves at the airport both in this country and the USA can be a problem. Have a letter from your GP or specialist for the epi-pen. We also carry a latex free medical kit just in case she has a severe reaction.

Several restaurants use latex gloves in Florida for food prep. There are also likely to be some latex balloons. In Disney the latex balloons if they are on sale are always outside. All the restaurants have an allergy free file which is great for food allergies.

We have been to seaworld - no problem, discovery cove - no problem, busch gardens - no problem, all the disney parks and water parks without a problem. Any restaurants we fancy visiting we call and some will stop the use of latex balloons untill we have left.

We usually travel Virgin, we pre board and the staff have always been great. BA should be OK though, the budget airlines can sometime be a bit limiting.

Don't forget to let the place where you are staying know about your allergy (latex free pillows)and the car hire company.

Antihistamines may reduce the reaction a bit and we use them in situations where we are going to places where we haven't been before.

All the travel insurance polices have included all her allergies at no extra cost.

Have a good trip. We will, were back for the 3rd time in April.
Chris