There are many serious issues that are arising for those with allergies, asthma, anaphylaxis and serious, chronic health conditions during this global pandemic. One of them is the internal debate whether to go to the hospital (Emerg) in the event of a medical emergency. The fear of Covid is causing people not to seek emergency medical care or making them very nervous to do so. It is SO IMPORTANT to get prompt medical care in the event of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic or asthmatic episode.
In this episode, I chat with That Allergic Girl , Kasia Kalinowska, a young person living in New York during the pandemic who experienced a severe allergic reaction and did not go to Emerg. out of fear of the Coronavirus.
After graduating from Princeton University with a B.A. in the History of Science in 2019, she has worked in health information technology in the Bronx, New York. Kasia writes about food allergies, public health, medical history, and humor. She wrote about her experience in an article entitled: Gambling on an Allergic Reaction in a Pandemic and shared via social media which is how I came across her story.
I speak to her in this episode to discuss the thought process behind that decision and what she has learned from the experience…and most importantly what she would do if (heaven forbid) it happened again in the future – spoiler alert: SHE WOULD GO!
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Topics Discussed in this Episode:
- Kasia’s experience with a severe allergic reaction from eating a contaminated sushi roll and her decision NOT to seek emergency medical care
- Her multiple food allergies and how those have affected her throughout her life
- FARE‘s newly released Protocol for Acute At Home Management of Anaphylaxis During the Covid-19 Pandemic
- The importance of administering epinephrine and seeking emergency medical care immediately when experiencing a reaction
- The reality of the panic of the moment and that you should mentally prepare yourself beforehand with a plan of the best course of action so that you can ensure you react accordingly in the heat of the moment during a reaction
- What allergy life is like for tweens, teens and young adults – a frightening stage for allergy moms as children in those age groups tend to engage in more risky behaviour – Kasia speaks to her experiences through these ages and stages and how she survived!
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of administering epinephrine right away if you’re having a reaction and going to EMERGENCY – EVEN IN A PANDEMIC! “Patients should be empowered to activate emergency medical services (EMS) if they feel concerns or feel urgent care is needed after epinephrine use” Source: (Acute At Home Management of Anaphylaxis During the Covid-19 Pandemic – Protocol)
- Eating out with food allergies – knowing that cross-contamination is real and possible and does happen.
- The benefit of creating an anaphylaxis emergency plan and using it in the panic of the moment of a reaction.
That is Episode 4! Thanks for listening! I will be sharing more Covid-related podcast episodes as we go through this pandemic. Be on the look out for the next one where I interview Jon Terry of The Allergy Advocacy Association and how his organization and others, including FARE are working fervently to address food labelling safety during the pandemic. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast – there are so many amazing interviews and topics coming out in the next few weeks that I don’t want you to miss including:
- Kyle Dine of Equal Eats
- Jennifer Roberge from Itchy Little World
- Lisa Gable from FARE!
Important Announcements:
Connect with me over on Instagram, @the_allergymom. It would also mean so much if you would leave a rating and review at any podcast platform that you’re listening on. Please send me a message to let me know if you have any constructive feedback for the show and/or content suggestions for upcoming episodes! I want this resource to be the best that it can be for you!
Links to things I talk about in the show:
- Kasia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatallergicgirl/
- Kasia’s Article: Gambling on an Allergic Reaction in a Pandemic
- Kasia’s Website: KasiaKalinowska.com
- Check out The Allergy Mom Website for blog posts, recipes and more at http://www.TheAllergyMom.com
- My one-on-one counselling appointments for individuals and/or families are on sale for 20% off – Book your first session now at http://theallergymom.com/contact/ to get started. If you’re looking for practical or emotional support following a new diagnosis, support with a particular issue or on-going counselling, I am here for you! Mention the code THEALLERGYMOMHELPS in your message to obtain this discount!
Where you can find me:
The Allergy Mom (Melissa Scheichl)’s LinkedIn
How you can work with me:
- One-on-One Allergy Counselling– Get 20% when you book an appointment today!
- Share your story (On an upcoming Blog Post and/or Podcast Interview)
- Brand and Organization Consulting – If you’re an allergy-aware business and need support to make your offering the best it can be for those suffering with Allergy, Asthma, Eczema or related health issues, I am available for consulting and can connect you with the people who can really inform your decision making, those who are affected every day! The patients! Contact me today to discuss!