Whether you’re heading over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house or hosting friends and family at your place, here are a few quick tips to help reduce common allergy triggers and make sure everyone’s holiday season is as merry and bright as possible.
Simple Tips for Holiday Allergy Relief
Talk With Family
At Home
To ensure a happy holiday for everyone, communication is key. Ask loved ones about any precautions you can take before they arrive to help reduce allergens in your home and make their stay more comfortable.
Away
Asking a few simple questions before heading to seasonal gatherings can help you avoid allergy triggers. For example: Where will I be sleeping? Do you have an air filter I can use? Do you have any pets? Can you keep Rufus out of the room I’ll be sleeping in before I arrive to avoid pet dander buildup?
Dash Away Dust Mites
At Home
To help you and your allergy-suffering loved ones, thoroughly dust all bedrooms using a damp cloth (a dry one can stir up dust), wash bedding in hot water (at least 130° F) and use allergen barrier bedding.
Away
No matter how clean your host’s home or hotel room is, you might be joined by some microscopic holiday guests. To help keep dust mites at bay, pack an allergen barrier pillow case. If you’re staying at a hotel, you can ask if they have allergy-friendly rooms.
Dodge Pet Dander
At Home
You can help ease pet allergies for you and your guests by sweeping floors and vacuuming carpets. And, if your loved ones are spending the night, be sure to keep furry family members out of the guestroom before they arrive.
Away
If your host has pets, try to avoid contact as much as possible. Make sure your coat gets hung up in the closet rather than laid on a bed where pets may settle down for a long winter’s nap.
Deck the (Allergy-Friendly!) Halls
At Home
Fresh trees, wreaths and boughs look and smell festive, but they may also harbor microscopic mold spores that can trigger seasonal sniffles. If you don’t want to settle for the fake stuff, hose down your greenery before bringing it inside to help reduce spores.
Artificial greenery and other decorations can collect dust and mold while stuffed away all year in the basement or attic. To help avoid these allergens, store your holiday decorations in sealed, plastic containers. And avoid using cardboard boxes as they hold onto moisture and are a holiday haven for mold.
Mind Your Meds
At Home
Keep some Claritin® on hand in case your allergy symptoms strike or your guests forget their meds.
Away
Take your allergy medication along and bring a few extra doses in case your trip is delayed. Be sure to pack your meds in your carryon or purse, so they’re handy when symptoms strike. And keep medication in its original packaging to avoid hassles with the Transportation Security Administration.
References
Environmental Allergy Avoidance. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Accessed November 1, 2024.
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