, ,

15 Allergy Friendly & Affordable Easter Candy

Easter is right around the corner and we want to make sure that you are fully aware of what your children will eat this weekend. We have made a list of 15 affordable Easter treats that exclude some of the most common allergens so you can have a fun and safe Easter weekend!

 

  1. Amanda’s Own Confections: Jelly Beans
  • This product is dairy-free, nut-free, peanut-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, egg-free, sesame-free, mustard-free, shellfish-free and crustacean-free. NOT vegan.
  • Price: ranges from $7.25 – $8.25

 

  1. Chocolate Emporium: Chocolate bunnies
  • This product is dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and parve.
  • Price: $4.85 each

 

  1. Double Bubble: Egg shaped gumballs
  • This product is nut-free gluten-free, shellfish-free, egg-free and kosher.
  • Price: $1.00

 

  1. Evolved: Chocolate bars
  • This product is gluten-free, dairy-free, cane sugar-free, soy-free and vegan. Check website for more flavors and ingredient listings.
  • Price: $4.99

 

  1. free2b Foods: Chocolate butter cups
  • This product is gluten-free, egg-free, fish-free, peanut-free, shellfish-free, soy-free, tree nut-free and wheat-free. Check website for more flavors and ingredient listings.
  • Price: $2.50

 

  1. No Whey Foods: Chocolate lollipops
  • This product is dairy-free, milk-free, lactose-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free, soy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free and vegan.
  • Price: $3.95 each

 

  1. Spangler: Dumdum fruity bunny pops
  • This product is dairy-free, gluten-free, tree nut-free, peanut-free, egg-free, soy-free, and fat-free.
  • Price: $2.99

 

  1. Jelly Belly Candy Company: Sunkist fruit gems
  • This product is fat-free, peanut-free, gluten-free, kosher and vegan.
  • Price: $7.59

 

  1. Tootsie Roll: Easter Midgees
  • This product is egg-free, tree nut-free, coconut-free, sesame-free, gluten free, wheat-free, shellfish-free and kosher.
  • Price: $9.99

 

  1. Vermont Nut Free Chocolates: Marshmallow on a stick
  • This product is peanut-free, tree nut-free, coconut-free, sesame-free, fish-free, shellfish-free and kosher.
  • Price: $3.95 each

 

  1. YumEarth: Licorice
  • This product is peanut-free, gluten-free, tree nut-free, milk-free, egg-free, fish-free, shellfish-free, soy-free and vegan. Check website for more flavors and ingredient listings.

 

  1. Enjoy Life Foods: Chocolate Minis
  • This product is wheat-free, dairy-free, soy-free, sulfate-free, lupin-free, fish-free, crustaceans-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, casein-free, egg-free, sesame-free, mustard-free and shellfish-free. Check website for more flavors and ingredient listings.
  • Price: $4.99

 

  1. Skip’s Candies: Marsh Pops
  • This product is peanut-free, tree nut-free, and coconut-free.
  • Price: $3.25

 

  1. Bo & Ty: Gummy worms
  • This product is nut-free and gluten-free.
  • Price: $6.14

 

  1. Smarties (American): anything!
  • All of their product is gluten-free, milk-free, egg-free, fish-free, shellfish-free, tree nut-free, peanut-free, wheat-free, soy-free and vegan.
  • Price: starting at $2.89

 

We hope that you stay safe this weekend and enjoy all of the sweets and always remember to look at ingredients label before you consume your candy.

 

If you believe that your child has food allergies, please call AllergySA to schedule an appointment with one of our providers at 210-616-0882.

 

Happy Easter!

/by
,

Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Issued for Emergency Use Authorization

UPDATE 4/13/21: The Texas Department of State Health Services is asking vaccine providers in Texas to pause all administration of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine following the CDC’s recommendation as it investigates six reported U.S. cases of a rare blood clot. For more information, see the DSHS Statement on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine here.

 

As of February 27, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the third COVID-19 vaccine.

Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine has properly met the required FDA criteria and will be provided in the United States for individuals 18 years and older. While the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are still to be distributed, J&J plans to deliver over 20 million doses in March and 100 million doses within the first half of 2021.

 

What’s So Different About J&J’s Vaccine?

 

Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both have similar studies, effectiveness rates, vaccine types, etc. to prevent COVID-19 and have proven effectiveness. Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine shows various differences that are still effective and will prevent contracting COVID-19.

While Pfizer and Moderna are both mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines, Johnson & Johnson developed a harmless adenovirus vector vaccine. This means the vaccine uses a harmless adenovirus to introduce COVID-19 spike protein information to the body, and helps us develop antibodies and immune cells to fight COVID-19 infection. Johnson & Johnson used this approach with their Ebola vaccine in July of 2020, which authorized by the European Medicines Agency.

The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is a single-shot vaccine as opposed to the two-shot strategy that Pfizer and Moderna have developed. It is 66% effective in preventing the disease and 85% effective in preventing severe disease. These percentages are shown to be effective 28 days after vaccination. This vaccine is a useful tool in fighting the pandemic and combating the continuous high number of cases.

 

What Should I Do After Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine?

 

Continue to wear your mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently and all other practical guidelines that the CDC has provided us. As of right now, the vaccine is not quite yet out for the general public, so there are many without the vaccine that are still at risk of acquiring COVID-19.

Please continue to be cautious around those at high risk and the elderly.

It is recommended that once an individual is vaccinated, they are to be monitored 30 minutes after. If you are someone with a medication, food and/or vaccine allergy, it is advised that you keep your EpiPen alongside you at all times- before, during and after your COVID-19 vaccine.

However, medication, food and/or other vaccine allergies are NOT a contraindication for the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Allergy SA will keep you updated with the latest, and will let our patients now as soon as we have the vaccine available in our clinics. To stay updated, please visit our page www.allergysa.com/covid19vaccine or call us for any questions you may have at 210-616-0882.

/by
, , ,

Is It Mountain Cedar Allergies or COVID-19?

 

Are you feeling a slight sniffle, cough or headache? This winter brings an extra layer of worry for mountain cedar sufferers as they try to decipher the difference between mountain cedar allergies and COVID-19.

The CDC has shared this helpful Venn diagram showing the differences and similarities of seasonal allergies to COVID-19. The biggest difference is that COVID-19 may cause: fever, chills, body aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea while seasonal allergies will not.

If you are experiencing a mixture of these symptoms it could be possible that you have contracted the COVID-19 virus while also being affected by mountain cedar pollen in the air. The only way to know for sure is by getting a COVID-19 test.

Taking extra precaution to wear a mask and social distance this winter is advised. If you believe that you may have COVID-19, be sure to get tested and quarantine to avoid spreading the virus to others. If you are having trouble breathing, or other emergency warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately.

AllergySA is not a current testing site for COVID-19. For a list of testing locations please visit: https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/What-YOU-Can-Do/Testing#TestingLocation

A COVID-19 Vaccine is days away from approval. For up to date information on the vaccination, visit our COVID-19 Information page at: https://allergysa.com/covid19/#COVID-Vaccination

/by
, ,

First Patient Reaches Maintenance Phase of Palforzia® – New FDA Approved Peanut Allergy Treatment

Peanut Allergy Patient

Congratulations to Claire for being our first peanut allergy patient to reach the maintenance phase of Palforzia®.

Palforzia® is the first and only standardized oral immunotherapy treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to minimize the incidence and severity of an allergic reaction from accidental exposure to peanuts.

Early this year, AllergySA was the first to introduce Palforzia® to the San Antonio area and is now the second in the nation to have a patient reach the maintenance phase. The treatment involves an up-dosing phase first administered in an allergist’s office every 2 weeks for about 6 months. Once up-dosing has been completed, the patient will continue taking the maintenance dose at home daily.

To start treatment, the patient needs to be between the ages of 4 and 17 with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy. In the event of accidental peanut exposure, Palforzia® can help reduce the risk of a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.

Palforzia® is covered by all major insurances including Medicaid. To find out if Palforzia® is right for your family, schedule an appointment with AllergySA at 210-616-0882.

/by
, ,

COVID-19 creates new dilemma for parents with asthmatic children

COVID-19 Asthma Dilemma

AllergySA’s Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Diaz, was recently interviewed about how COVID-19 creates a dilemma for parents when your child has been diagnosed with asthma. While you may be ready to return back to work, finding childcare is difficult as your child is considered high-risk.

“If a child has asthma in the middle of COVID it’s a little more tricky. As you start to open up these daycares and you start to see people going back to work there is a dilemma,” Diaz said.

View the full story at news4sanantonio.com.

For an in depth look at Asthma and COVID-19, view our COVID-19 page including Dr. Diaz’s Facebook Live discussion: https://allergysa.com/covid19/ 

/by
, , ,

Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As we continue to see the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we feel it is important to share with you what AllergySA is doing to help slow the spread while continuing to provide critical care to our patients.

Read more
/by
, ,

San Antonio Express-News: San Antonio Clinics to Offer First Drug To Treat Peanut Allergies

Express News First Drug to Treat Peanut Allergies

Dr. Lukena Karkhanis and AllergySA were featured on the front page the San Antonio Express-News on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 as one of the first clinics in San Antonio to offer the newly approved peanut allergy drug, named Palforzia.

“This will definitely be a game-changer, and it decreases their chances of a severe reaction,” said Dr. Lukena Karkhanis of AllergySA, who treats Claire and dozens of other South Texas children with peanut allergies.

To see if Palforzia is right for your peanut allergic child, call AllergySA at 210-616-0882 to schedule an appointment.

/by
, ,

New Peanut Allergy Treatment

 

News4SanAntonio New Peanut Allergy Treatment

Dr. Lukena Karkhanis of AllergySA was interviewed by  News4SanAntonio.com on the first ever FDA approved treatment for peanut allergies named Palforzia.

“[A peanut allergy] restricts where they can vacation, it restricts where they can travel, it restricts what they can participate in terms of extracurricular activities, where the parent will not be there at all times. I think Palforzia will be a big game changer there,” Karkhanis said.

To find out if Palforzia is the right treatment for your peanut allergic child, contact AllergySA at 210-616-0882 to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists.

 

/by
, ,

Is the Flu Shot Safe If I Am Allergic to Eggs?

With flu season just around the corner comes the very common question: “Can I get a flu shot if I am allergic to eggs?” Most types of influenza vaccine contain a very small amount of egg protein causing people to second guess the safety of flu shots if they are allergic to eggs. Contrary to what most think, research has shown that the administration of the flu vaccine is safe for those with egg allergies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests avoiding flu shots only if you have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine itself. If you’ve had a mild or severe allergic reaction to eggs, the CDC advises the following:

  • If eggs cause only hives you can safely get the flu vaccine appropriate for your age and health status anywhere.
  • If eggs cause swelling, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, recurrent vomiting, or if you’ve had to use an emergency intervention (like your Epi-Pen®), you can get a flu shot, but it must be in a medical setting supervised by a provider who can recognize and manage severe allergic reactions.

If you’ve had a reaction to eggs in the past, talk to your doctor. They may choose to give you the vaccine in their office or send you to an allergist.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, a large number of research studies published over the last several years have proved that thousands of egg-allergic children, including those with a severe life-threatening reaction to eating eggs, have received injectable influenza vaccine as a single dose without a reaction. The flu is responsible for the hospitalization of more than 21,100 children under the age of five annually, yet the CDC says nowhere near enough children are vaccinated every year. According to their statistics, only 55 percent of children ages 5 to 17 get the vaccination.

For more information, or to get your flu shot in our office, speak with a medical assistant during your next office or allergy shot visit.

/by
,

Distribution Halted for Ranitidine (Generic for Zantac)

Distribution has been halted for generic Ranitidine after an announcement that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating medications containing ranitidine that may have a possible link to cancer.

This generic medication is taken by millions to help with gastrointestinal disorders and discomfort. The manufacturer stated that this is a “precautionary distribution stop” as they complete an internal investigation and the FDA continues its own research to determine if the low levels of the ingredient pose a risk to patients.

If you or a family member has been prescribed this generic medication, here are some key points to know about this issue:

  • Brand-name Zantac is not included in the distribution halt. Those currently on the generic version can purchase the brand-name over-the-counter medication.
  • Pediatric patients on liquid ranitidine do not need to switch. The halt only involves the capsule/tablet version.
  • This is currently a distribution halt, not a recall. The manufacturer is taking precautionary measures as investigations continue and more information will be released as it becomes available.
/by

LOCATION INFORMATION

Medical Center

2414 Babcock Rd #109
San Antonio, TX 78229

Medical Center AllergySA - 2414 Babcock Rd #109, San Antonio, TX 78229

Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Stone Oak

19016 Stone Oak Pkwy #250
San Antonio, TX 78258

Stone Oak AllergySA - 19016 Stone Oak Pkwy #250, San Antonio, TX 78258

Monday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm

Southside

7500 Barlite Blvd #106
San Antonio, TX 78224

South Side - AllergySA.com - 7500 Barlite Blvd #106, San Antonio, TX 78224

Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm

CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE: (210) 616-0882  | FAX: (210) 692-7833 |  EMAIL: info@allergysa.com