Son with sever allergies

Hey Adam,

I used to know a couple living in Maadi that had a son with severe allergies...they were forced to leave Egypt as a result of it. Of course they were living here, not just visiting.

Does your son have problems with dust as well? If so, I would avoid staying downtown, as the air quality would only further aggravate him. If you stay in Maadi, there's the Sofitel on the Kornish, and it is just up the road from Salem International Hospital. This is the hospital that the U.S. embassy recommends for people stationed in Cairo. When it comes to their pediatrics department, I can't comment, but on the hospital itself it is clean and the facilities are ok! It is also of course open 24 hours.

Although the allergies may be a deterrent, how long would you really have to wait? I think if you do want to return to Egypt, carry with you a list of food items that are safe or unsafe for your son. Avoid eating in local restaurants that cannot guarantee or detail what they have put into their recipes...How sensitive are your sons allergies? My friend had such a severe peanut allergy that she would need an epipen if she ate something that was even processed in the same factory that processes peanuts.

I don't see why his allergies should keep you away from the country if you take all the necessary precautions before arriving Wish you the best of luck!

Thanks so much for your reply and your positive attitude

It might be an idea to look at staying outside the city itself, especially if air quality is a problem.  There are very nice suburbs and some, like Shorouk, have a good international hospital nearby.  You can find the International Medical Centre, Shorouk City website through a search engine.  They also have a 24 hour emergency unit.  I have used them for a couple of things - thankfully not an emergency.  I found them very professional and they have a comprehensive list of specialists.