What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis (pronounced ana-fil-ax-is) is a serious and often sudden allergic reaction. It can occur when someone with allergies is exposed to something they are allergic to (known as an allergen). Reactions usually begin within minutes and rapidly progress but can occur up to 2-3 hours later.

Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening and always requires an immediate emergency response.

If you have experienced a sudden allergic reaction in the past, then you may be at risk of anaphylaxis even if you have not had anaphylaxis before. We advise that you see your GP and ask for a referral to an allergy clinic.

A diagnosis of anaphylaxis can be daunting at first, but by becoming well-informed, thinking ahead and employing daily coping strategies, people affected find that life can return, almost, to normal.

Supporting People With Serious Allergies

Here are some of the ways we support people to manage day-to-day life with a serious allergy.

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About Anaphylaxis UK

Anaphylaxis UK is the only UK-wide charity operating solely for the growing numbers of people at risk of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. While there’s no treatment or cure for anaphylaxis, we believe that by providing information, training and support, there is a brighter future for people living with serious allergies.

Our mission is to create a safer environment for everyone with allergies by working with and offering training for the food industry, schools, pre-schools, colleges, health professionals and others.

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Training & Education

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Is Your School AllergyWise®?

We offer training for teachers and all school staff. We encourage a whole school allergy awareness approach – the more staff who understand allergy and how to recognise an allergic reaction, the more likely your school will be able to safely manage pupils with allergies.

Check with your school and ask if they have done our training.

Ways You Can Help

There are many ways that you can get involved with the vital work we do! Your support has a huge impact on the lives of people with serious allergies.

Your time is as valuable as your donations, so explore the button below to discover all the ways you can help us further our mission of securing a brighter future for people at risk of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis UK's Convenient Clothes Collection

If you have a busy schedule or a large quantity of clothes to donate, Anaphylaxis UK offers a FREE pickup service.

Have your donated items collected from either your home, workplace, school or university saving you time and effort!

Living with Serious Allergies

Guidance for Parents

If you’re a parent, explore our guide all about teaching children how to live with food allergies and educating them about anaphylaxis.

Managing Allergies at University

As you leave for university, it might be the first time you’ve had to manage your allergies on your own. Make the transition a bit easier with Anaphylaxis UK.

Shopping & Preparing Food

If you or a member of your household has a food allergy, there are precautions you can take while shopping or preparing food at home to ensure food safety.

Travelling

Allergies can be stressful, especially when you’re in a busy airport or in new and unfamiliar surroundings. Follow our top tips and be as prepared as possible to stay safe and confident while travelling.

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Latest News from Anaphylaxis UK

All of our latest news posts. Click through to read more.

World Food Safety Day: Our Mission for an Allergen-Safe Food Supply 7th June 2024

As we mark World Food Safety Day 2024, let it serve as a reminder that behind every food safety statistic are real individuals whose lives and wellbeing quite literally could depend on the proper handling and labelling of their next meal.
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Professor Adam Fox features on ITV’s This Morning 7th June 2024

There has been much said in the press this week regarding controversial comments made on This Morning regarding food allergies. Professor Adam Fox has today appeared on the programme to raise awareness of food allergies and the importance of taking them seriously.
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Call for participants: research project seeks individuals with food allergies or intolerances 7th June 2024

If you have experienced food allergies or intolerances and are willing to share your experiences, please consider participating in this survey.  The research focuses on investigating potential correlations between the onset of food allergies and intolerances and adverse life experiences.
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Allergy Alerts

Peanut Alert – Tesco Nougat Caramel & Dreamy Caramel Bars Multipack 6 x 40g 7th June 2024

Product Name: Tesco Nutty Nougat Caramel Chocolate Bars Multipack 6 X 40g Tesco Dreamy Caramel Chocolate Bars Multipack 6 X 40g Pack Size: 6 x 40g  Best Before: Tesco Nutty Nougat Caramel Chocolate Bars:  28/02/2025 Tesco Dreamy Caramel Chocolate Bars:
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Heinz Change of Allergy Information Notice 23rd May 2024

Product Names:   Heinz Beanz with Sausages Heinz Spaghetti with Sausages Heinz have notified us that they have changed the recipe of their iconic Heinz Beanz and Spaghetti with Sausages. As a result of this recipe change, Heinz Beanz with Sausages
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Wheat (gluten) Alert – Tropical Sun Semolina Fine and Coarse 17th May 2024

Product Name: Tropical Sun Semolina Fine and Coarse   Tropical Sun Semolina Fine Pack Size: 1.5kg Best Before: April 2026 April 2026 March 2026 January 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 November 2025 September 2025 September 2025 July 2025
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