Before you go out to eat in a restaurant, be sure to call ahead and confirm that you can safely eat in that restaurant. This can keep you out of uncomfortable situations if you know what you can eat before you get there, and you won’t be disappointed in front of whoever you are eating with.

~Carlo age 14, allergic to several foods, including milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame seeds

Send in your tip

I had a minor reaction on Christmas Eve a few years ago, and was covered in hives. My family was nervous about anaphylaxis, but I had no symptoms at that point, so I treated the hives and monitored symptoms. I made an appointment with my allergist to discuss the reaction, who said the reaction could have progressed fully to anaphylaxis and that the next time something similar happens I should go to the ER. This taught me that no matter how inconvenient, it is always smarter to be safe - even on Christmas!

~Caitlin age 19

Have you ever had a reaction during the holidays? Talk Back and let us know.

Search the FAAN College Network for College Representatives and Student Ambassadors.