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Thanksgiving Allergy Hacks: How to Be a Great Guest (Without Feeling Like a Burden)

Thanksgiving and holiday get-togethers are supposed to be fun, but when you have food allergies, asthma, or environmental sensitivities, being a guest can come with a lot of stress. Today, your bestie allergist moms are breaking down simple, real-life hacks on how to navigate the holidays safely and politely.

In this practical episode of Allergy Actually, Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd share their top tips for being a thoughtful guest and managing potential pitfalls. They cover everything from communicating your needs ahead of time to navigating pet dander, powerful perfumes, and food potlucks without feeling awkward or being a burden. This is your essential guide to enjoying the moments that matter without sacrificing your health.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:53 The Importance of Taking Breaks & Self-Care During Gatherings
03:11 Communicating Food Allergy Needs to Hosts (Kara's Egg Allergy Story)
05:00 Navigating Pet Allergies: Communication, Pre-Treatment & Exit Plans
06:23 The Reality of Pet Dander: Why Vacuuming Isn't Enough
06:27 Pro-Tips for Pre-Treating Environmental/Pet Allergies
08:15 Final Thoughts on Perfume & Fragrances

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ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
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AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.
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MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

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