Allergies affect more than 45 million Americans. While most people associate allergies with the spring, they’re also quite common in the summer. This is no surprise as we tend to spend more time outside and pollen reaches peak levels. If you have summer allergies, you may experience symptoms like a runny, stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, skin rashes like hives or eczema, headaches, and fatigue. The good news is there are steps you can take to take control of your summer allergies so you can thoroughly enjoy the blue skies and sunshine all season long. Here are some tips to help you fight summer allergies this summer and beyond.
Allergy-Proof Your Everyday Routine
While you can’t put your life on hold just because it’s summer allergy season, you can reduce your exposure to allergens. To do so, do your best to keep your doors and windows closed as much as possible. Also, be sure to shower and change your clothes as soon as you come in from being outside. In addition, watch your humidity levels so they don’t get too high.
Deep Clean Your Home Often
Even though you lead a busy life, make time to ensure a clean living space, especially during the summer allergy season. Otherwise, your home will be filled with dust bunnies and mites that can exacerbate summer allergies. Vacuum all of your floors and mattresses. Change your bedsheets. Power wash your windows and screens. Don’t hesitate to invest in professional cleaning services to make your life easier.
Take Your Pet to the Groomers
If you have a pet, do your best to take them to the groomer on a regular basis. Since allergens like weeds and pollens are likely to enter your home through your pet, treating your doggy to a day at the spa is well worth it. This is particularly true if they spend a lot of time outside in the summer. If your pet has short hair, consider de-shedding bath treatments as they can safely flush away excess allergy-causing fur and debris.
Consider Medication
There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help you control your summer allergy symptoms. You can take antihistamines when you first notice symptoms or before you’re exposed to an allergen. Decongestants might also help if you’re dealing with a stuffy nose. You might also find relief from lotions and creams that reduce skin redness and itchiness. Consult your doctor before you use any medication.
Check Pollen Counts
Since pollen is a common summer allergen, it’s wise to check local pollen counts so that you know what times of day they’re the highest. If you find out there’s a lot of pollen during a specific time period, try to stay inside and plan your outdoor activities for when pollen counts are lower. Weather.com and Pollen.com are two great resources you can use to keep tabs on pollen.
Clean and Change Your Air Filters Often
Air filters are invaluable for summer allergies. They support your HVAC system and collect dust, pollen, and other allergens. That’s why it’s important to clean them with natural cleaning solutions. Also, change your filters every few months or so as failure to do so may cause your HVAC system to blow allergens all over your home.
Change Your Air Filters Without the Hassle
We are pleased to offer quality air filters that can capture pollutants and particles, pushing clean, fresh air back into your living space. For the filters to be most effective, however, you must change them every few months.
With FilterTime’s air filter subscription service, you can keep the air in your home in optimal shape, year-round. Once you subscribe, the right air filters will get shipped to your doorstep automatically so you’ll know exactly when to change them. Since there are no shipping charges, contracts, or hidden fees, you have nothing to lose. Get started today!
Written by: Anna Baluch
« Back to News
