What were your plans for National Almond Day earlier this week? Some decided to spend the afternoon in the nut isle of Holland and Barrett. Others chose to sing about the benefits of vitamin E consumption. Occasionally small groups of almond-lovers visit Iran, in order to really feel close to the humble nut.
What was I doing? Writing about allergies at university.
At school, having an allergy is intrinsically uncool. Carrying an epipen isn’t seen as an endearing character trait when you are seven. You’re different. None of the other children have an inhaler in the school reception.
Following this, teenage-dom brought on a new wave of embarrassment. No one wants to seem picky or difficult when eating out. In hindsight I cringe at the risky behaviour I engaged in; half my friends in Sixth Form weren’t aware that I had a severe allergy.
When starting university, I decided to take a different approach. A newfound edge of maturity taught me that there’s no point in being ashamed of something you can’t change.
Three anaphylactic shocks and a graduation later, I present:
‘Surviving University with a Nut Allergy’
(a short guide which can be applied to any other allergy)
Let people know
Naturally this should be the first step in survival. Tell your housemates, your potential love interest, your work colleagues. People cannot be careful about something they don’t know about.
Educate, educate, educate
For those who haven’t met anyone with an allergy, understanding what it truly means can be difficult.
For example, using a blender which had nut butter in last week can still be dangerous.
“It’s been washed!” – I hear your housemates cry.
“Has the sponge been thrown away since?”
“How throughly has it been washed?”
“Where are the nuts now?”
These all serve as questions an allergy sufferer has to ask.
Teaching the people around you about cross contamination, allergy protocol and what to expect when you’re having a reaction will benefit you and them.
People often respond in an inquisitive way. It might even contribute to a sense of danger within your personality. How exciting!
Safety steps
Now that people know, take relevant steps to keep yourself safe. If that means banning nuts from the house, then do it. You wouldn’t insist on keeping cyanide in the kitchen cupboards.
Don’t be embarrassed about asking for the allergy menu at restaurants. It’s there for a reason and might even mean your food is cooked fresher. Personally, I enjoy the grid formation. It adds depth to the ordering experience.
Carry your epipen/antihistamines/inhaler/medication. If you’ve got a tiny bag, make it work. Sadly your health is more important than looking glam (don’t tell Anna Wintour) so make sure you keep your various ‘allergy helpers’ with you at all times.
Survival
If you follow this short guide, without doubt you’ll be able to survive at university with an allergy. Don’t let anyone disregard or make light of your dietary requirements. Tell people, educate and follow the necessary steps to keep yourself safe.