Seasonal Tips

When people hear the word allergies, they often think of springtime and pollen counts. But, you may have symptoms at other times of the year, or even year-round. These tips can help you manage your symptoms throughout the seasons:

Spring

• Pollen: Warm weather can be a blessing. But, not if you’re allergic to pollens. Trees usually release pollen during early to mid-spring. Grasses release pollen from late spring to early summer. Try to limit your time outside when pollen counts are high in your area.



• Yard work and gardening can be tough, if you have pollen or mold allergies. Think about having someone else mow your lawn or rake leaves. If you can’t, or if you love to garden, take a shower or bath, and change your clothes as soon as you’re done. You can also wear a facemask that filters out pollen while you’re working outside.



• Mold: Spring rain may help mold grow inside your house and outdoors. If your basement seems damp or wet, use a dehumidifier to keep it dry. If you find mold in your bathroom, clean the room with mold-killing cleaners.



• Spring cleaning is a good time to get rid of possible allergens. Try to find someone else to clean up the attic and basement. They may be filled with dust, mold, and other allergens. Wash comforters, sheets, pillowcases, and long drapes in hot water. Dust all surfaces with a damp cloth, or have someone do it for you. And, think about getting rid of wall-to-wall carpet in the bedroom. It’s a favorite home for dust mites (bugs so small that you can’t see them).

Summer

• Keeping cool: If you can, use air-conditioning, instead of window fans to keep cool. Fans stir up dust and draw pollens, molds, and other allergens in from the outside.



• Mold: Outdoor molds are usually higher in the summer and early fall. Try to reduce your contact with outdoor mold. Avoid compost piles and dry soil. Also, keep doors and windows closed.



• Summer camp: Is your child heading off for summer camp? Make sure that the camp knows about any allergies he or she has. Camp directors, nurses, and counselors should all know what your child is allergic to, which medicines he or she uses, and what to do in an emergency.



• Pollen: There’s plenty of pollen in the air during the summer. Air quality may be worse on hot days, especially in cities. Pollen can make allergies worse. Try to limit time outdoors on days when there are high pollen levels.

Fall

• Autumn pollen: Fall is the worst pollen season for many allergy sufferers. Ragweed is one of the top triggers. Keep windows and doors closed to the outside, if your allergies are worse in the fall.



• Raking leaves: Molds are shaken up when you rake leaves. Get someone else to help. Or, try wearing a mask.

  Damp weather: Molds grow both inside and outdoors during damp weather. Clean your bathrooms and sinks often.




• Back to school: Teachers and school nurses should know about your children’s medical conditions, including allergies. If your child is heading off to college, make sure he or she packs all medicines and can refill them when needed.

Winter

• Allergies and cabin fever: Feeling cooped up with your allergies? Nobody wants to go outside when it’s cold, including pets. Vacuum often with a HEPA filter. And, try to keep the pets out of the bedroom and off the furniture.



• Exercising indoors: Winter often forces people to exercise inside. If you do, don’t exercise in places where you may find mold like the attic or basement.



• Humidifiers: If you use a humidifier in the winter, make sure to clean it weekly. You don’t want to send mold and dust into the air along with moisture!



• Air filters: Air filters help to keep your household air clean. Look for anti-allergy filters at your local store.



• Christmas trees: Trees may be covered with more common allergens like molds. An artificial tree is a good choice. But keep it covered during the year to protect it from dust mites (bugs so small that you can’t see them) and mold.

Holidays And Vacations

When planning a vacation, keep the following tips in mind:

• Medicines: Take all your medicines with you.



• Hotels: Stay in hotel rooms that don’t allow pets. A room without carpets is even better!



• Wet clothes: Make sure to wash and dry wet towels and bathing suits. Mold grows quickly in warm weather, so hanging them outside to dry isn’t enough.



• Plan ahead: Learn beforehand about your vacation spot. Are there local pollens that might trigger your allergies?



• Vacation from your allergies: If you have seasonal allergies, try to go away when your allergies are the worst. But choose a place that is free from your allergy triggers.