Emergency? Call 911 immediately. Use EpiPen first, then call for help.

Nonprofit Allergy Awareness

Know it. Act fast. Save a life.

Helping families, schools, and caregivers recognize allergic reactions and respond with confidence.

How to use an EpiPen When to use an EpiPen
32M
Americans with food allergies
1 in 13
Children affected
200K
ER visits per year
2 min
How fast anaphylaxis can become fatal

Emergency Response

When to administer an EpiPen

Give epinephrine immediately if the person is showing any of these signs and symptoms.

Give epinephrine immediately if the person is showing any of these signs and symptoms:

▸ Skin is pale or has a bluish color
▸ Weak or rapid pulse
▸ Fainting or dizziness
▸ Tight or hoarse throat
▸ Trouble breathing or swallowing
▸ Swelling of lips or tongue affecting breathing
▸ Severe vomiting or diarrhea, especially combined with other symptoms
▸ Many hives or widespread redness over the body
▸ Feeling of "doom," confusion, altered consciousness, or agitation

⚡ When in doubt — give the epinephrine. It is always safer to administer it than to wait.

How to administer an EpiPen

In an anaphylactic emergency, every second counts. Follow these steps clearly and quickly. After using an EpiPen, always call 911.

Important: It is important to familiarize yourself with the different types of EpiPens before an allergic reaction occurs. Steps may vary slightly depending on the device.

1
🔍

Recognize the signs

Look for hives, swelling of lips or throat, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or sudden drop in blood pressure.

2
📱

Call 911 first

Call emergency services immediately. Tell them you are administering epinephrine for anaphylaxis.

3
💊

Remove the safety cap

Pull the auto-injector from its carrier. Remove the safety cap by pulling straight up — do not twist.

4
🦵

Inject into outer thigh

Press the needle tip firmly against the outer thigh. Hold until you hear a click.

5
⏱

Hold for 5–10 seconds

Keep steady pressure for 5–10 seconds depending on the type of EpiPen. The medicine needs time to fully inject.

6
🔁

Second dose if needed

If symptoms return or worsen after 5–15 minutes, administer a second EpiPen if available.

7
🏥

Go to the ER

Even if symptoms improve, always go to the emergency room. Symptoms can return (biphasic reaction).

Important: EpiPen is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Always call 911 before or immediately after administering. Never leave a child alone after a reaction. Bring the used EpiPen to the hospital.

Quick Reference

Symptom severity checker

Select symptoms you're seeing. This is a quick guide only — always call 911 if unsure.

⚡

When in doubt — give the epinephrine. Do not wait for symptoms to get worse.

😮 Throat swelling
💨 Can't breathe
💫 Loss of consciousness
💔 Rapid heart rate
🤢 Vomiting / nausea
😖 Stomach cramps
👄 Lip swelling
🔴 Hives / rash
😤 Runny nose
👁 Watery eyes
🚨 CRITICAL — Use EpiPen NOW and call 911 immediately. These symptoms indicate anaphylaxis.
⚠️ MODERATE — Administer antihistamine and monitor closely. Have EpiPen ready. Call a doctor or poison control.
💛 MILD — Administer antihistamine and watch for worsening symptoms. Call a nurse or doctor.

Food Safety

Foods to avoid by allergy type

Select an allergy type below to see which foods to avoid and safer alternatives to consider.

Please note: The information below is a general guideline only. Every allergy is different — what's safe for one person may not be safe for another. Always work with a board-certified allergist to get a personalized and accurate list of foods to avoid for your specific allergy.

Foods to avoid

  • Peanuts (any form)
  • Peanut butter & peanut oil
  • Peanut flour or peanut protein
  • Mixed nuts with peanuts
  • Many Asian sauces (satay, pad thai)
  • Baked goods from shared kitchens
  • Some candies & chocolates

Safe alternatives

  • Sunflower seed butter
  • Almond butter (if not tree-nut allergic)
  • Pumpkin seed butter
  • Soy nut butter (if not soy allergic)
  • Certified peanut-free products

Foods to avoid

  • Almonds, cashews, walnuts
  • Pistachios, pecans, macadamia
  • Brazil nuts, hazelnuts (Nutella)
  • Nut milks (almond, cashew milk)
  • Nut oils (walnut, almond oil)
  • Marzipan and pralines
  • Many cereals and granola bars

Safe alternatives

  • Oat milk or rice milk
  • Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
  • Coconut products (usually safe)
  • Peanut butter (if not peanut allergic)

Foods to avoid

  • Milk (all types)
  • Cheese, butter, cream
  • Yogurt and ice cream
  • Whey and casein (in protein shakes)
  • Many breads and baked goods
  • Chocolate (most milk chocolate)
  • Margarine and some non-dairy creamers

Safe alternatives

  • Oat milk, soy milk, almond milk
  • Coconut-based yogurt and ice cream
  • Dairy-free cheese (cashew or soy-based)
  • Vegan butter and margarine
  • Dark chocolate (check labels)

Foods to avoid

  • Eggs (all forms)
  • Mayonnaise and aioli
  • Meringue and marshmallows
  • Many baked goods (cakes, cookies)
  • Pasta (fresh egg pasta)
  • Breaded foods (egg in coating)

Safe alternatives

  • Flaxseed egg (baking substitute)
  • Aquafaba (chickpea water)
  • Chia seed egg
  • Vegan mayonnaise
  • Egg-free pasta and breads

Foods to avoid

  • Wheat, barley, rye, spelt
  • Most breads, pasta, and cereals
  • Beer and many beverages
  • Soy sauce (most contain wheat)
  • Crackers and baked goods
  • Some oats (cross-contamination)
  • Many sauces and gravies

Safe alternatives

  • Rice, quinoa, and corn
  • Gluten-free bread and pasta
  • Certified GF oats
  • Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
  • Potato and almond flour

Foods to avoid

  • Shrimp, crab, lobster
  • Clams, oysters, scallops
  • Squid and octopus
  • Seafood soups and stocks
  • Imitation crab (may contain shellfish)
  • Restaurants with shared fryers

Safe alternatives

  • Finned fish (if not fish-allergic)
  • Chicken or turkey in seafood dishes
  • Hearts of palm (mimics crab texture)
  • Jackfruit seafood alternatives

Foods to avoid

  • Salmon, tuna, cod, halibut
  • Tilapia, bass, flounder
  • Fish sauce and Worcestershire
  • Caesar salad dressing (anchovies)
  • Some omega-3 supplements
  • Imitation crab (contains pollock)

Safe alternatives

  • Seaweed snacks for sea flavor
  • Vegan fish sauce alternatives
  • Flaxseed for omega-3s

Foods to avoid

  • Soybeans, edamame, tofu
  • Soy milk and soy-based formula
  • Tempeh and miso
  • Soy sauce and teriyaki sauce
  • Many processed and packaged foods
  • Vegetable broth (often contains soy)

Safe alternatives

  • Oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk
  • Coconut aminos (replaces soy sauce)
  • Chickpeas and lentils for protein

Learn More

Understanding allergies

Everything you need to know about what causes allergic reactions, how to prevent them, and how to plan ahead.

🔬
What is an allergy?
An allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance called an allergen. The body treats it as a threat and releases chemicals like histamine, causing symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening.
⚡
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that can be fatal within minutes. Symptoms include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. It requires immediate epinephrine (EpiPen) and emergency care.
🩺
Getting diagnosed
An allergist can diagnose food allergies through:
  • Skin prick tests
  • Blood tests (IgE testing)
  • Oral food challenges
  • Medical history review
Never self-diagnose — see a board-certified allergist.
🏫
Schools & childcare
Work with your child's school to:
  • File an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
  • Provide EpiPens to the nurse and teacher
  • Request allergen-free seating or tables
  • Train staff on anaphylaxis response
  • Use a medical ID wristband
🍽
Eating out safely
When dining out with allergies:
  • Always inform the server about your allergy
  • Ask about shared fryers and prep surfaces
  • Request allergen-free preparation
  • Carry your EpiPen at all times
  • Check restaurant allergy menus online first
💊
Medications & treatment
Common allergy treatments include:
  • Epinephrine (EpiPen) — for anaphylaxis
  • Antihistamines — for mild reactions
  • Oral immunotherapy (OIT) — gradual tolerance building
  • Corticosteroids — for inflammation
Always follow your allergist's treatment plan.
📋
Reading food labels
The FDA requires these 9 major allergens to be clearly listed on food packaging:
  • Peanuts · Tree nuts · Milk
  • Eggs · Wheat · Soybeans
  • Fish · Shellfish · Sesame
Always look for "Contains:" and "May contain:" statements.
👶
Children & allergies
Allergies in children require extra care:
  • Early introduction of allergens may reduce risk (ask your doctor)
  • Teach children what they cannot eat as early as possible
  • Since toddlers and babies cannot describe how they feel, it is especially important for caregivers to learn and recognize the signs of an allergic reaction to prevent an adverse event

Allergy Alert Wristbands

Free wristbands for children

⚠ ALLERGY ALERT
allergy-alert.org

Bold red wristband — simple and universally recognizable

Give first responders a head start

Our wristbands display a bold "Allergy Alert" message and our website address — simple, clear, and universally recognizable in any emergency.

No personal info required on the band. Anyone who sees it knows to take action immediately.

  • ✓ Bright red with bold text — visible from a distance
  • ✓ Website printed on band links to EpiPen guide, food lists, and emergency instructions
  • ✓ 100% free — no cost to families, ever

We are distributing wristbands right now — in person and at no cost.

If you would like to request one, email us at allergyalert29@gmail.com and we'll get one to you.