Tips for Surviving Fall Allergies

The leaves begin to change colour, the smell of pumpkin spice and crisp autumn air surrounds you, and your ideal outfit of choice is a sweater and jeans. Many of us look forward to the cooler temperatures and relief from humidity and the fall season is a favorite for many, but not necessarily true if you are living in Toronto, Halifax, Vancouver, Yellowknife, Edmonton or Windsor.  These, according to besthelathmag.ca, are the worst Canadian cities for fall allergy sufferers.

Unfortunately, the reason fall allergies are on the rise is due to ragweed pollen, and because it is everywhere, escaping it is virtually impossible unless you plan to stay indoors. Thankfully there are some ways in which you can beat the annoyance of fall allergies. Here are some tips for surviving fall allergies that can help you enjoy this amazingly beautiful time of year.

1) Close your Windows: In order to prevent spores, mold, pollen and more out of your home. It is recommended to close your windows and keep them closed.

2) Bathe: Yes, this may sound a little juvenile, but pollen and spores can become trapped in your hair and clothing causing allergies to act up even more than usual. Daily bathing can remove these allergies from your hair and skin and protect them from being transferred throughout your home.

3) Build Immunity: Start your allergy prevention early. Your Family Doctor or Naturopath can assist with allergy shots before the start of the season. This will help to build your immunity before the allergy season is in full swing, which can result in fewer symptoms.

4) Stay Dry: Make sure that you perform regular mold and mildew checks throughout your home. Bathrooms and basements are ideal areas for mold and mildew growth as they thrive in damp environments. Installing and running a dehumidifier with necessary filter changes is a great way to keep mold and allergens out of the air and reduce high home humidity levels.

5) Change Your Filters: Inspecting and replacing heating and air filters before turning on the heat in your home. It’s also a good idea to change vacuum and vent filters to keep particles from becoming airborne and consistently dusting or cleaning your air return vents can help as well. These tips for a healthier home can also help improve indoor air quality as well.

Following these simple tips for surviving fall allergies can offer great relief and increased comfort to those of us whose allergies are not isolated to the spring and summer months.