Flowers are starting to bloom and that means its allergy season. Pollen and dust wreak havoc this time of year, but there are some things you can do at home to help you breathe easier this spring.
The trick is to keep pollen and dust mites outdoors. Even if it’s nice out, keep windows closed and when you get home, check those outdoor allergens at the door.
“If you've been out all day in the pollen, the best thing to do is change your clothes immediately when you get home, preferably shower to wash pollen out of hair and skin so you don't go to bed covered in it, but certainly changing clothes right away is a great idea,” said Dr. Jonathan Field, of NYU Medical Center.
Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, which will remove most of the particles in the air. A HEPA filter is also good for your vacuum cleaner.
Flowers are starting to bloom and that means its allergy season. Pollen and dust wreak havoc this time of year, but there are some things you can do at home to help you breathe easier this spring.
If you have pets, try not the let them on the bed and take measures to keep your bedroom allergen free.
“That's where you spend the most time, so keeping it allergy-free is very important,” said Field. “Washing your pillow covers and your bed sheets on the hot cycle, I would say once a week during the prime season on the hottest cycle your machine has. Pillows themselves you may not be able to wash, but you can put them in the dryer on hot for 20 to 30 minutes and that should eliminate a lot of the dust.”
Also, use allergy covers on the mattress and pillows.
An inch of dust can have 1,000 dust mites in it so dust regularly, and if you are very allergic, wear a protective mask when you do.
If you take just a few easy steps, allergy season could be a walk in the park.