How To Deal With Peanut Allergies

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from carlo_scialla and more videos in the Allergies category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com As unusual as it may sound, peanuts cause 80 percent of fatal and near-fatal allergy attacks. Protect yourself with some precautionary steps. To complete this How-To you will need: A medical ID bracelet Some over-the-counter antihistamine An epinephrine autoinjector Warning: Consult your physician to see if your allergies qualify you to receive a prescription for an epinephrine autoinjector or other medications. Step 1: Avoid direct contact Avoid direct contact with peanuts or anyone who has recently handled peanuts. Step 2: Avoid peanut-based products Pay attention to ingredient labels and stay away from products that contain peanuts — even peanut oil — or that may have been processed by machines or people who handled peanuts. Tip: Be careful with alternative snacks: sunflower seeds and chocolate candies are often processed in the same factories as peanuts. Step 3: Alert your friends and family Let your friends and family know about your allergy so they don’t break out the nut bowls when you visit. Step 4: Avoid restaurants that use peanut oil Avoid restaurants that may cook with peanut oil—such as Thai and Chinese—as merely …