Allergy season is here, and it came bearing gifts: watery eyes, scratchy throats, and uncontrollable bouts of sneezing, for starters. Whether you've struggled with pollen allergies your whole life or you’re feeling the effects for the first time (thanks to a particularly hellish season), there are ways to minimize your symptoms. Snuff out the sniffles with these tried-and-true hay fever hacks, vetted by our board certified care leaders:
- Filter your air. Invest in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to trap pollen and provide allergy relief. Place it wherever you spend the most time, like your bedroom.
- Switch up your routine. Don’t bring allergens to bed with you. Shower at night so pollen winds up down the drain—not sticking to your sheets.
- Block it out. Wear sunglasses to keep allergens from getting into your eyes.
- Put Fido in the doghouse. Pet fur is a pollen magnet. Keep your four-legged friend off your bed to help reduce your exposure.
- And give him a bath, too. Be sure to brush or wash your pet after they’ve been outdoors.
- Suck it up. Regularly vacuum your home, including curtains, drapes, bedding, and furniture.
- Don’t line dry. Avoid hanging sheets and clothes outside to dry. You’ll wind up capturing unwanted allergens and bringing them into your home.
- Mask it. When you clean, you kick allergens up into the air. During housework, wear a dust mask to limit your exposure.
- Mow? Just say no. Mowing your lawn is a great way to stir up pollen. If you can’t pay the kid next door to do it, wear a mask when you mow to protect your nose and eyes.
- Watch the weather. Keep an eye on the pollen count, and stay indoors on dry, windy days. Pro tip: A great time to go outside is right after it rains.
- Change it up. Been outdoors? To avoid spreading allergens around your home, leave your shoes at the front door and change your clothes as soon you get inside.
- Use a damp cloth when cleaning. Use damp, single-wipe dust rags to clean. A damp rag will trap allergens instead of knocking them into the air. If you use reusable cleaning clothes, be sure to wash them in hot water after every use.
Looking for more allergy facts, hacks, and treatments? Find out how Zoom can help.
