Keep Children with Food Allergy Safe during Holiday Season

The whole world is getting ready to celebrate Christmas. Families are busy in decorating their houses with the latest items available in market and treating themselves and their guests with delicious food. However, according to health experts, these holiday delights are not always safe for children with allergies and parents should take some extra precautions to avoid health risks.

"During the winter months many parents think their kids get a reprieve from allergies. Unfortunately, allergens are around all year long. Dust mites, mold, food and pet allergies don't take a Christmas vacation," pediatric allergist Joyce Rabbat, said in a news release.

According to Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), about 20 percent of Americans or one in every five adults and children have allergies.  Of all types of allergies, food allergies are one of the major health problems affecting American children.

Cow's milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and wheat are some common foods that bring in allergic reactions among children and adults. About eight percent of American children below six years suffer from food allergies.

Highlighting this point, Rabbat warned parents of the hidden risks associated with leaving children with food allergies unattended during family gatherings or parties.

"During the holidays it can be easy to be tempted by all the wonderful goodies that everyone else is eating. And so often it can be difficult to decipher what contains allergens and what does not," Rabbat said. "Food allergies are especially dangerous because even small exposure to a food allergen can be devastating."

Following are some tips from Rabbat that help parents to keep their little ones safe during the holiday season:

* Prepare food by fully avoiding any kind of ingredients that are known to cause allergy

* All recipes containing allergens should be prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination

* Clean utensils and surface areas after preparing a food with allergen

* Food prepared with and without allergen should be kept separately to avoid accidental exposure

* Persons exposed to the allergens should clean their hands and face properly before interacting with a child with food allergy

* Keep medicines ready to use during emergency situations