It’s almost Valentine’s Day! It’s a time to show your love. But it's also a time for people with asthma and allergies to be extra careful about their triggers.

When celebrating Valentine's Day, show you care by being inclusive of people with asthma and allergies. If you give your sweetheart a bottle of perfume or a beautiful bouquet, it could make them sneeze and wheeze.

What Are Common Asthma and Allergy Triggers In Valentine's Day Treats?

Many popular Valentine’s Day gifts and activities are also common allergens or asthma triggers. Here are some to avoid:

• Allergens in meals and food gifts – Shellfish, including oysters, are a common allergen. So are peanuts and nuts, which are often found in chocolates and other desserts. Any food can be an allergen, so talk to your Valentine to make sure you know all of the foods they need to avoid.
• Skin allergens – Some people react to latex products or nickel-plated jewelry. Personal care items such as moisturizers, massage lotions and cosmetics may also trigger an allergic reaction.
• Inhalation allergens – Watch out for the pollens in cut flowers and mold in indoor potted plants. Avoid non-washable stuffed animals, perfumes and colognes, cigarette smoke, wood fires and scented candles.
• Other asthma triggers – Stress can trigger asthma and so can laughter. Knowing what your loved one's triggers can help you when planning activities.
  
  

How Can You Make Valentine's Day More Asthma and Allergy Friendly?

Plan to keep your celebration relaxed and fun.

• Practice contact-free shopping and gift giving – Help reduce the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 by using contact-free shopping. And if you deliver gifts to someone who doesn't live with you, leave their gifts at the door. This can help keep both you and your loved safe from COVID-19, the flu, and other respiratory infections.
• Improve your indoor air – Surprise Valentines you live with by making your home healthier. Good indoor air quality is an important part of asthma and allergy management. Learn how to improve indoor air quality in the bedroom, living room and kitchen. Wash and change the sheets, scrub the bathroom and change out the furnace filters. Use Certified asthma & allergy friendly® products to improve your indoor air quality and reduce exposure to asthma triggers and allergens.
• Plan a fun meal – Cook a healthy and food-allergy safe meal. Consider planning the menu around a “red” and/or “heart-shaped” theme. Check out Kids With Food Allergies’ Allergy-Friendly Valentine’s Day Recipes for some delicious ideas.
• Play it safe – Holidays are not a good time to try new products, foods or locations. A fun night at home can be just as romantic with a little planning. And it's safer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Give a thoughtful gift – Donate to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America in honor of someone with asthma and allergies. Tell us a little about your special person.
  
  

What Are Asthma and Allergy Friendly Gift Ideas?

Here are some ideas for sweethearts big and small:

• Handmade card
• Love notes scattered throughout the house
• Gift card for a massage or a favorite store
• “Coupon” book
• Books
• Framed photo
• Photo collage for computer or phone screens
• Allergy-friendly stuffed animals
• Nickel-free jewelry
• Arts and crafts supplies (avoid anything that could trigger asthma and allergies)
• Movie night at home with safe snacks
• Game night
  
  

Remember, Valentine’s Day is all about love. Show how much you care by creating an asthma and allergy-friendly celebration that everyone can enjoy.