Don’t forget your passport, and HAE Companion

July is here, which brings the prospect of holidays for many of us. But whether you’re off for a week in the sun or a ski trip in New Zealand, we hope you pack HAE Companion before you jet off.

Why it’s good to pack some protection

It’s always good to pack the right protection when traveling. For some, wearing sunscreen and a hat is enough, but for people with HAE, it can be a bit more challenging to know what to do and who to contact in the event of an attack. HAE Companion is a free app that tells you all the information you need to travel safely with HAE.

While it can’t offer reviews of the hottest restaurants, HAE Companion does provide information, including directions, to medical care facilities all over the world, and in the language you speak. The app uses geofencing technology to know when you’re traveling and send you helpful messages. HAE Companion also offers:

  • Direct access to HAEi’s digital emergency cards allows you to store those relevant to the countries you are going to visit. These are currently available in 44 languages.
  • Contact information for HAE knowledgeable hospitals (including ACAREs) and physicians worldwide.

HAE Companion, developed by HAEi, is the perfect travel partner, so don’t forget to pack it before your next trip. You can download HAE Companion from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

HAEi’s tips for travelling with HAE

To get everyone a little more holiday-ready, here are a few more travel tips from HAEi to give you that holiday feeling before you’ve even arrived:

  • Always keep your medicine close at hand, ideally in your carry-on baggage or not buried under the suitcases in the boot of the car. This will stop any medication from being lost or not being available in an emergency
  • Have a letter from your doctor and copies of your prescriptions. Often, airport security personnel will want to check people carrying licensed medicines. It’s important they know that it’s medically necessary for you to travel with treatment
  • If stress is a problem for your HAE, travel can be a big trigger. There are lots you can do to manage stress, such as wearing earplugs and eye masks, or having some of your favorite films, books, and music on hand to help you relax
  • Traveling can involve lots of standing, waiting, and queuing. If your HAE is triggered by fatigue or standing too long, don’t be embarrassed to use things like disability lines at immigration. Increasingly, society understands that just because someone doesn’t look ill, they may need additional support
  • Remember to pack the HAE Companion app to be prepared in the event of an HAE attack – it’s free, and that tells you all the information you need to travel safely with HAE