Winter allergies can leave you in a very uncomfortable state with annoying flu-like symptoms, like a runny nose, sneezing, a cough, and a scratchy throat.
But how do you differentiate between a cold or a seasonal allergy?
An allergic reaction is your body telling you that it just encountered a foreign body that your immune system falsely perceived as a threat. A runny nose, watery eyes, and a series of sneezes are some of the only ways in which your immune system knows how to combat the threat. According to research, most people experience allergic reactions to pollen, dust, and mold spores.
On the other hand, a cold is typically caused when a virus infects you. The easiest way to tell a cold and an allergic reaction apart is that you won't have a fever, cough, or chest congestion in the latter.
If you’ve identified that you’re experiencing allergic reactions during the chilly weather, here are some things you can do to improve the indoor air quality of your home and alleviate your symptoms.
Keep Dust Away From Your House
It's easy to assume that winter will be easy on you when it comes to allergies because pollen is primarily a problem during the summer, spring, and fall, when the plants bloom, and the leaves fall.
However, winters can be just as bad as any other season if you’re allergic to dust.
We tend to turn up our heating units in winter, and most people do so without getting their HVAC systems cleaned out.
This means all the dust collected within your heating unit will be blown into your home through the filters, causing dust allergies.
It’s imperative to indoor air quality that you get your HVAC system professionally cleaned.
Replace the Air Filters
If you don’t remember the last time you replaced the air filters, it’s time to do so. If you have removable and washable air filters, consider cleaning them once every month. But if you don't, consider getting them replaced every four months or before a new season starts. Doing so won't just improve your home's indoor air quality and reduce the risk of you developing allergic reactions, but it will also increase your HVAC system's useful life.
Wash Bedding Regularly
Though bed bugs typically aren’t a problem during winters, it’s a good idea to wash your bedding regularly, even if you don't have a bed bug problem. It's crucial to keep your bedding and blanket clean during the cold season to ensure you're not breathing in pet hair, dead skin cells, and dust while sleeping inside your blanket.
It's best to wash bedsheets, pillowcases, blankets, and towels once every week to keep yourself from allergic reactions.
Use Natural Supplements for Seasonal Allergies
Ridding your home of dust, mold and improving air quality can help alleviate your winter allergies. But for long-lasting relief, we recommend using natural supplements for seasonal allergies.
If you’re looking to buy allergy relief supplements, you’re in the right place. At Innovative Nutrition, we house a wide range of the best supplements for seasonal allergies approved by doctors and are manufactured by well-reputed brands.
Please browse through our online store to check our range of allergy relief supplements and contact us for all your concerns and queries.