A Kiss, An Allergy, and a Trip to the ER: Why Teenagers with Food Allergies need to stay Extra Vigilant

Imagine a romantic kiss almost turning deadly because of your food allergy. That’s exactly what happened to Phoebe Campbell-Harris in a Paris nightclub. Just minutes after she kissed a young French man, her throat became scratchy and she broke out in hives, a sign of an anaphylactic allergic reaction. 

She was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, only later realizing that her date had likely eaten something she was allergic to, either tree nuts or peanuts. 

Hidden Dangers for Teenagers with Allergies

Campbell-Harris’s experience is a powerful reminder: for people with severe allergies, allergens can hide in surprising places. In fact, they can be transmitted not just through restaurant dishes, but through saliva as well. 

That means a kiss can be risky if your partner has eaten something you’re allergic to. 

However, as Campbell-Harris notes, “adolescents…[are] trying to have fun and fit in with other teenagers. Their brains aren’t developed enough to think ‘maybe I shouldn’t trust that person, or maybe I shouldn’t do that.’” 

In other words, being a teenager with a severe allergy is especially tough. You want to feel normal, have fun, and enjoy the moment, but that doesn’t erase the risks.

Tips for Teenagers to Stay Safe

Here are a few simple, but critical, ways teens with food allergies can protect themselves:

Ask Questions.

Don’t be afraid to ask. Whether you’re unsure about what’s in a dish or wondering if someone’s eaten your allergen before kissing them, it’s almost always safer to ask. It might feel awkward, but people usually understand once they know it’s about your health.

Communicate Openly.

Let others know upfront. Tell the waiter about your allergies before ordering. Let your friends or date know too. The more people understand what you're dealing with, the more likely they are to help you stay safe and avoid accidental exposure.

Be Prepared. 

Always carry an EpiPen (or similar epinephrine product), and keep antihistamines like Benadryl close by. If you're at a concert, party, or festival, take a few minutes to identify where emergency services are located, just in case.

Campbell-Harris said she always finds the medical tent first when she’s at a music festival. It’s a small step that could make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

Being a teenager with food allergies isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or live fully.

Just take a few precautions:

• Don’t be shy about asking or informing others

• Be prepared in case of an emergency

• Know that safety doesn’t mean missing out

Thanks for reading, and I hope this post helps any teens, or parents of teens, looking for practical ways to stay safe. See you next time!