How To Deal With Peanut Allergies

Avoid direct contact with peanuts or anyone who has recently handled peanuts.

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.

Let your friends and family know about your allergy so they don’t break out the nut bowls when you visit.

Avoid restaurants that may cook with peanut oil—such as Thai and Chinese—as merely inhaling the smell of nuts could set off an allergic reaction.

Purchase and wear a medical ID bracelet that explains you have a peanut allergy so medical personnel know what to do in case of an emergency.

Carry an over-the-counter antihistamine with you in case you start to have an allergic reaction.

If you know you’re at risk for a severe reaction, like shortness of breath or losing consciousness, have a doctor authorize you to carry an injectable dose of epinephrine (a shot of adrenaline) with you at all times.