Fall Allergy Season Tips and Advice with the Minute Clinic
It’s hard to believe that Summer is over and yet, I know that we have entered our next season because my eyes are itchy, my kids are sneezing and we are already emptying out tissue boxes quickly. So, as Fall allergy seasons takes hold and dominates our thoughts and sinuses, its seems like a great opportunity to share some knowledge and tips from one of our family’s trusted resources, the CVS Minute Clinic.
What IS an allergy?
An allergy is the body’s hypersensitivity to substances in the environment. Mold, dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some foods can cause allergic reactions.
What causes seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies are a reaction to small airborne substances. These allergens are small proteins that usually float around in the Spring, Summer and Fall.
Colds vs. Allergies
Many people confuse the symptoms of spring allergies with a common cold. Here’s what you need to know about the two:
- The main difference between a cold and allergies is that a cold is caused by a viral infection while allergy symptoms are caused by your body’s own immune system’s attempt to fight off an allergen.
- If you start sniffling and coughing at the same time each year and your symptoms come on suddenly, it may be allergies.
Parents need to know how to protect their families from allergies and the best way to get allergy relief. I know that the answers to these questions are critical to enjoying outdoor activities with my family.
1: How can I protect my family and myself?
Symptoms can usually be controlled with treatment. Nasal saline, decongestants and over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may help relieve symptoms as well.
2. How do I get allergy relief?
There are plenty of options! At MinuteClinic®, the nurse practitioners and physicians assistants can recommend the right over-the-counter medications and write prescriptions when medically appropriate.
If you’re diagnosed with allergies, medication may help relieve your symptoms. The best way to treat allergies is to avoid the allergen – whatever it may be.
MinuteClinic® Tips that may help combat the Fall allergy season:
- Shake it off! Before coming inside, rid your clothes of pollen with a good shake.
- Did you know hair gel could be a pollen magnet? Skip the sticky stuff during allergy season for a little extra relief.
- Avoid window fans! While convenient, they tend to bring in unwanted pollens or mold spores.
- Fall asleep on clean sheets. Wash your bedding every two weeks to help ease allergy symptoms.
- Dust mites are a common allergen in the Fall. They can be a challenge as you start to turn on your heater in the Winter.
As a parent, having access to health advocates and experts like the one’s at MinuteClinic® is convenient and reliable. My family has trusted their pharmacy team for several issues, whether it has related to teething questions, over-the-counter medications or seasonal allergies. If you haven’t stepped inside a MinuteClinic®, consider it during allergy season.
To learn more, visit http://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic
Disclosure: I have received promotional consideration from MinuteClinic. All opinions are my own.