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COVID-19, food allergy and Halloween

Kids trick or treat. Halloween in face mask.

With the pandemic, Halloween will be different this year whether you are trick-or-treating with extra safety precautions or having parties in your social bubbles.

To help you have a safe and fun Halloween, below are suggestions to keep in mind while you celebrate the spooky holiday!

Remember to check public health guidance in your area on participating in Halloween activities.

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Tips on having fun and staying safe

While the pandemic may have changed the way Halloween will be celebrated this year, there are still many ways to have fun and enjoy this spooktacular holiday. Follow our quick tips on managing your child’s food allergy during Halloween. With some planning, this year’s Halloween can be a safe and fun time for all.

Also, check out the article written by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) for their expert guidelines on keeping Halloween safe for those with allergies and asthma. Remember to check the public health guidance in your area for direction on participating in Halloween activities.

Hosting a party or going to one? Get our tip sheet for hosts!

If you’re going to a party, give our handy tip sheet to the host. It’s an easy-to-follow resource that covers the basics in how to have an allergy-friendly party, starting with asking questions of their guests with food allergy.

Tip sheet for party hostsTip sheet for hosts

If you are hosting a party in your social bubble, keep guests with food allergy in mind. Our tip sheet covers reading food/treat labels, preparing and serving food safely, and more for hosting an allergy-friendly party.

Halloween Party With Children Trick Or Treating In CostumeTips for parties

Check out our tips on having fun and staying safe. Host a spooktacular allergy-friendly party in your social bubble.

Wearing masks

Boy Ready To Trick Or Treat Wearing Mask

Your child may be wearing a face mask this Halloween to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Keep in mind that masks may cover up skin symptoms on the face during an anaphylactic reaction, and symptoms may not be visible to others. Explain this and the signs and symptoms to your child, in an age appropriate way. They should know to tell an adult if they start to feel unwell while trick-or-treating or celebrating at a party in your social bubble. 

Note, anaphylaxis generally includes two or more body systems, which means that your child most likely will have other symptoms beyond the skin covered by the mask, such as hives or itching on other parts of the body, or symptoms related to breathing, the stomach or heart. 

More resources: COVID-19 and food allergy

For more tips on managing food allergy during this time, visit our COVID-19 and food allergy section.

Questions?

For any questions you may have, contact us at info@foodallergycanada.ca, or call 1 866 785-5660.

Check out the other ways you can support kids with food allergy this Halloween:

Teal light on porchShine a teal light – join the movement

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