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Social Media Manager and Strategist Cape Town

Be careful who you kiss this Valentine's Day...

7 Feb 2012

When there's more than romance in the air this Valentine's Day, the course of true love may not run so smoothly for people with highly sensitive allergies, says Mariska Fouche, spokesperson for leading allergy medicine provider, Pharma Dynamics.

"Kissing or other intimate contact can sometimes result in someone having a very serious allergic reaction. Allergens can linger in a partner's saliva up to a full day following ingestion, irrespective of tooth-brushing, rinsing with mouthwash or chewing teeth-cleaning gum.

"For extremely sensitive allergic persons, even the smallest quantity of food or medicine on the lips, mouth or saliva can cause a problem - and we're not just talking about a passionate kiss. Even the most innocent peck on the cheek or forehead can cause a severe reaction," says Fouche.

The most widely reported case is of a 17-year-old Jamie Stewart in 2003, who went into anaphylactic shock at a dance in the UK when he kissed his workmate, Liza Macfarquharn. The teenager had a peanut allergy and Liza had just eaten a bag of nuts. Luckily Liza, a former army cadet, knew the signs and kept him alive until an ambulance arrived. Once at the hospital he was treated and a few hours later returned to the dance.

Fouche cites allergies to shellfish and nuts as the most common, and some studies suggest that allergies to peanuts have more than trebled in the past decade.

"Despite a lack of data, many scientists believe that the number of people with food allergies is rising, as is the number of foods to which they are allergic to. In the past, more often than not, people were allergic to only one or maybe two foods, whereas now it is very common to see people allergic to two or three, or even more foods," she says.

With up to 40% of South African adults already suffering from allergies (of all types), Fouche offers some advice to ensure your Valentine's Day kiss does not land you or your partner in the emergency room.

"It's best to play it safe by making sure your intended partner knows exactly which food or medication to avoid, at least 16 - 24 hours before the date or... kiss. The same goes for those that suffer from hayfever or skin allergies. Always be upfront about your condition and carry allergy medication with you at all times.

For guaranteed allergy-safe Valentine's dating and gifting, Fouche suggests:

Tickets to a movie or show. If dining out poses a risk due to allergies, rather pack some snacks and head to a romantic movie or eat at home and then go to the show.

Surprising your partner with Medical and Allergy Alert jewellery. These days they are available in a variety of colourful heart pendants, silver-plated bracelets and macho dog-tags. The nickel free jewellery is a potential lifesaver for wearers with latex, peanut and penicillin allergies.

Anti-allergy bedding with personalised Valentine's Day pillowcases.

Allergen-free chocolates and other treats.

Cooking an allergy-free meal together. It's more private than going out, less expensive and you don't need to worry about what is cross-contaminated with your food.

Going stargazing or to the place you first met or where you had your first date or got married, but be sure to check the pollen count in the area first...

Buying yourself and your significant other each a copy of the same novel that you've both always wanted to read.

Create a personalised Valentine's Day love book of your life together, complete with photos and keepsakes.

Tour a local winery or buy a bottle of fine wine - pick out something that you know your partner loves with a romantic note attached.

Arrange a photo shoot. Everyone loves having pictures of their special someone, whether it's in your wallet, on your desk at work or just for your home.

"If managed effectively, allergies don't have to interfere with romance, so speak to your doctor or pharmacist for the appropriate treatment.

"On a more serious note, if on a date, you or your partner or anyone around you experience symptoms of allergies such as lip-swelling, sudden rash or hives, vomiting, diarrhoea, an itchy throat or mouth, starts wheezing or in severe cases go into anaphylactic shock, it is important to seek immediate medical attention," says Fouche.