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 safe environment for everyone with allergies by working with and offering training for the food industry, schools, pre-schools, colleges, health professionals and other key groups.

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Training & Education

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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 allergic pupils.

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.

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.

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Latest News from Anaphylaxis UK

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

Positive results from study of Palforzia in peanut-allergic children aged 1 to 3  15th November 2022

Aimmune Therapeutics has shared its positive findings from the Phase 3 POSEIDON study of Palforzia.  
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New NHS hospital food standards include food allergy training requirement for all staff  15th November 2022

Following an independent review of hospital food in 2020, the NHS has published new national standards for healthcare food and drink that all NHS organisations will be legally required to meet as part of their NHS standard contracts.  The new
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Warning on food ordering apps after teenager is hospitalised 1st November 2022

Eighteen-year-old Eleanor Lincoln went into anaphylactic shock after eating a takeaway curry which had been ordered via an app.  Eleanor, who has a serious peanut allergy, was celebrating her 18th birthday with family last March when the incident occurred. It’s reported
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Allergy Alerts

Celery Alert – Cedar Cottage Country Foods various meat pies 21st November 2022

We have been alerted by Food Standards Scotland that Cedar Cottage Country Foods are recalling various meat pies from sale because they contain celery which is not correctly declared on the ingredients label. The products are therefore unsuitable for and
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Sesame Alert – Eva Bold Keto Protein Bites 14th November 2022

Product Name: Eva Bold Black Onion Seed Keto Protein Bites Pack Size: 30g Best Before: All batch/use-by dates up to and including 04/10/2023 AND Product Name: Eva Bold Rosemary & Pink Salt Keto Protein Bites Pack Size: 30g Best Before:
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Peanut Alert – Hotel Chocolat Caramel Milk Batons 10th November 2022

Product Name: Hotel Chocolat Caramel Milk Batons Lot Number: 22286 & 22287 Best Before Date: July 2023 Pack Size: 120g Sold between: 21st October and 9th November 2022 We have been alerted by Hotel Chocolat that they are recalling their
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