Allergies at Home

things you should know

You can do a lot to manage your child's home environment so there will be fewer problem-causing allergens or allergy-causing substances.

Non-drowsy Children’s Claritin ^® can help you better manage your child’s allergies at home.

KEEP WINDOWS CLOSED

Because most pollen is carried by the wind, it's in the air everywhere. Therefore, keep windows closed even if you have no wind-borne pollen-producing plants nearby—some pollen can travel hundreds of miles when they are carried by the wind. Air conditioners actually help to filter pollen and other allergens out of the air as they keep you cool.
KEEP YOUR HOUSE SMOKE FREE

Irritants like tobacco smoke can intensify allergy symptoms.
CHANGE OR CLEAN AIR FILTERS REGULARY

Furnace and air conditioning filters take many allergens out of the air. However, allergens can build up on the filters. In order to get allergens out and keep them out, change or clean filters once a month.
Eliminate dust collectors

Knick-knacks and clutter collect dust and can be difficult to clean. Get rid of unnecessary objects and display valuables in a glass case that's easier to clean. Wash pillowcases often and change mattresses every few years.
Consider using a dehumidifier if you have a damp basement

Cold, damp air encourages mold to grow, which can cause allergy problems for some people.
Have your child shower and change clothes after playing outdoors

Outside allergens and pollen can collect on the skin, hair and clothing.
Clean showers and tubs with chlorine bleach solution

This will reduce mold growth, which, like a damp basement, can cause allergy problems for some people.
Get non-drowsy allergy relief with Claritin^®

If you have allergies to pets and can’t avoid them, you can try a non-drowsy antihistamine like Claritin^® to relieve your worst symptoms.
Reduce plant materials

Eliminate unnecessary vegetation, including houseplants. Houseplants can contribute to mold allergies. During the holidays, don't bring live Christmas trees indoors.

More Ways to Help

Allergies at School
Telling Others

START WITH TEACHERS

Discuss your child's condition with the school nurse, teachers, coaches, and any other people with whom your child has regular contact. Inform them of allergens that can trigger your child's condition, such as pollen and freshly cut grass. Likewise, inform them of any medications your child is taking.
TEACHING FRIENDS

Encourage your child to talk to classmates and playmates about allergies. If other kids know about your child’s allergies and how they’re managed, those kids will feel more comfortable around your child.
ENCOURAGE PLAY

Send the message that it's okay to be active and involved. Provide a note to the school to allow medications to be taken prior to a sport or activity, if necessary.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

Try non-drowsy Children’s Claritin ^® to relieve your child’s allergy symptoms. Every year, 2 million school days are lost due to allergies. Unlike some other medications, non-drowsy Children's Claritin ^® products will not make your child drowsy at school or at play when taken as directed.

WHO NEEDS TO KNOW MY CHILD HAS ALLERGIES?

All medical personnel who come into contact with your child should know that your child has allergies. This includes doctors and school nurses. Also inform the school nurse of any medication your child is taking. Use our handy email application below to send notes to all your child’s caregivers and tell them about your child’s allergies.

Fun Ways to Learn

Teaching Your Child About His or Her Allergies

A child with allergies may not understand what causes his or her sneezing or runny nose. As a parent, you can help your child by explaining
the cause-and-effect relationship between allergens and symptoms.

The Children’s Claritin ^®
Taking on Allergies Game

Allergies aren’t very much fun, but this game sure is! Playing a game is a great way to start talking with your child and teaching him or her about allergens. Print the Children’s Claritin ^® Taking on Allergies Game and play it with your child today.

Get Your Free Copy of
“Casey and the School Day Sneezes”

You can also read Casey and the School Day Sneezes, a storybook that helps explain to kids what allergies are, how you get them, and what you can do to manage them.