{"id":4383,"date":"2018-07-08T09:32:48","date_gmt":"2018-07-08T08:32:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4383"},"modified":"2021-05-20T16:04:35","modified_gmt":"2021-05-20T15:04:35","slug":"how-to-travel-south-east-asia-with-an-allergy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/vietnam\/how-to-travel-south-east-asia-with-an-allergy\/","title":{"rendered":"How to travel Southeast Asia with an allergy"},"content":{"rendered":"

No one should miss out on a chance to visit far-flung tropical destinations. Though, having a serious allergy can really inhibit you. You are anxious about what you can eat, the language barrier and what you can do if something does happen.<\/p>\n

Southeast Asia is a dream destination for many, but with the heavy influence of seafood and peanuts in their cuisine, it can be a real worry for anyone with these allergies. Your safety and happiness is our greatest concern, so we have created a guide to travelling to Southeast Asia with an allergy to help you understand the risks and the steps you can take to have the amazing holiday that you deserve.<\/p>\n

Shellfish allergy<\/h2>\n

An allergy to shellfish is a response by the body\u2019s immune system to the proteins found in particular marine animals. This can range from octopus, squid and scallops to marine animals with a shell, like shrimp, crab and oysters.<\/p>\n

Southeast Asia does have a diet that relies heavily on seafood. In our previous post, a taste of Vietnam<\/a>, we looked at how the different regions of the country offer different types of food. If you are visiting northern Vietnam you will find that many dishes contain seafood and crab in particular, but there is a great deal of beef and chicken on offer too.<\/p>\n

If you do suffer from a shellfish allergy and are visiting the south on a Cambodia holiday<\/a> then you should be cautious when eating out, or trying the street food. The south is blessed with the largest stretch of the coastline, and the people here really make the most of it. You will find a great deal of squid, shrimp, prawns and crab throughout the region.<\/p>\n

Cross-contamination is a risk when there is such an abundance of shellfish in Southeast Asia. You may not necessarily be allergic to all seafood, but there is a chance that it has come into contact with shellfish. Be cautious of soups and stocks. Your dish may not include shrimp or some crab, for example, but may have come from something containing it in the kitchen.<\/p>\n

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Peanut allergy<\/h2>\n

An allergy to peanuts is among the most common food allergies, as well as one of the most severe. The reaction \u2013 anaphylaxis \u2013 can be caused from even the slightest contact with a peanut, for those who are most seriously affected.<\/p>\n

Helpline Assistant at the Anaphylaxis Campaign<\/a>, Grace, was kind enough to speak to us about traveling with a peanut allergy:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not uncommon for people with allergies to be anxious about travelling. However, by following the top tips available on our website and making sure you\u2019re prepared, travel can be a lot less frightening. Ingredients common to many cultures in Southeast Asia include fish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, soya and tofu.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Peanut<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Anaphylaxis Campaign is the only UK wide charity focused on supporting those at risk of severe allergies. Our ultimate aim is to create a safe environment for all people with allergies by working with and educating the food industry, schools, pre-schools, colleges, health professionals and other key audiences. Our focus is on medical facts, food labelling, risk reduction and allergen management. We actively campaign to raise awareness of anaphylaxis with the general public and with the relevant authorities for better allergy care and treatments.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have a food allergy we would recommend picking up a free printable translation card online to help to ensure others are made aware of your allergy despite any language barriers. Most importantly, make sure you have your medication with you at all times and ensure you take a note from your doctor explaining that your medication is needed with you on the flight. If you have any concerns or further questions, our helpline team will be happy to take your call.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Such is the severity of peanut allergies, that many experts and allergists advice that the best way to prevent a reaction is by complete avoidance. However, this is almost impossible, particularly abroad. After all, allergies are not restricted to one type of person, or one country. So while there may be a higher proportion of peanuts in Southeast Asian diets, there is still going to be people who are allergic.<\/p>\n

Traces of peanuts can be found in the following:<\/p>\n