Medicines help treat your allergy symptoms once you have them,
but there are several steps you can take to prevent symptoms before they occur.
The following recommendations can help you avoid allergy attacks whether you're
at home, outdoors, or out on the town.
At home:
- Keep windows closed and use air conditioning if you are allergic to
pollen; don't use fans, as they can stir up dust.
- Filter the air. Cover air
conditioning vents with cheesecloth to filter pollen and use a high
efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) if you have a forced air furnace.
Clean air filters frequently and air ducts at least once a year.
- Keep the humidity in your house below 50 percent to prevent mold growth. Avoid areas where molds may collect, including basements, garages, crawl
spaces, barns, compost heaps; clean these areas often.
- Install dehumidifiers
in basements and other areas of the house where mold
may collect; clean these devices every week. Air out damp clothes and shoes
(in the house) before storing.
- If you have pets, consider keeping them outside, or perhaps ask someone else to
take care of them; animal dander and saliva are common allergens for many
people. Otherwise, do not allow pets in the bedroom and be sure to bathe
pets often. Do not allow pets to sit on the furniture. Close air ducts in the bedrooms.
- Remove laundry from the washing machine promptly; don't leave wet clothes
in the washer.
- Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles with mold-killing solutions.
- Don't collect too many indoor plants, as the soil encourages mold growth.
- Store firewood outside.
- Use plastic covers for pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Avoid
overstuffed furniture and down-filled bedding or pillows. Remove stuffed animals from the bed.
- Wash your bedding every week in hot water, hotter than 130 degrees F.
- Don't allow smoking in your house.
- Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning, vacuuming, or painting to limit dust
and chemical exposure.
- Vacuum twice a week.
- Limit throw rugs to reduce dust and mold. If you do have rugs, make sure
they are washable.
- When possible, choose hardwood floors instead of carpeting. If you must
have carpeting, choose low pile material.
- Avoid Venetian blinds or long drapes, as they collect dust. Replace old
drapes and use window shades instead.
- Make sure there is an exhaust fan over the stove to remove cooking fumes.
Driving:
Keep windows closed and set the air conditioner on re-circulate if you are
allergic to pollen.