Tips To Help Prevent, Avoid & Treat Seasonal Allergies

This is a partnered post with MinuteClinic. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

While fall is one of my favorite seasons of the year, the seasonal allergies that come along with it is something I wish we could avoid. While there is not a magic way to get rid of those pesky allergies there are ways that you can prevent and avoid them.

Tips To Help Prevent, Avoid & Treat Seasonal Allergies

Tip #1 – Limit Allergen Exposure  

Limit your exposure to allergies by staying indoors, especially on dry and windy days when the pollen counts are high and ragweed is in the air. Run your air conditioner instead of opening your windows which allows the allergens in. You can purchase a HEPA filter attachment that can help to remove pollen from the air to help you breathe easier.

Tip #2 – Put Off The Yard Work Or Wear Protection

Avoid raking your leaves, especially when the air is wet and the likeliness of mold is high. If you choose to do yard work be sure wear a face mask. Before you come in house be sure to shake off and remove your shoes to prevent spreading allergens throughout your home.

Tip #3 – Clean Your Sheets

This is the perfect time to do some fall cleaning. Be sure to fall asleep in clean sheets. Wash your bedding every two weeks to help ease allergy symptoms.

Tip #4 – Rinse Your Nose

Nasal irrigation is a great way to help rid of those allergens. Rinsing your sinuses to remove mucus and allergens from your nose can also ease congestion.

Colds & The Flu vs. Allergies

The main difference between a cold and allergies is that a cold is caused by a viral infection while allergy symptoms are caused by your body’s own immune system’s attempt to fight off an allergen. Here are a some ways to tell the difference:

• If you have a cough it is probably a cold. Most people with a cold with also have a cough.
• Do your eyes itch? Itchy eyes are a COMMON symptom of allergies and rarely a symptom of a cold.
• A fever is sometimes present with a cold. If you have a fever, it is NOT allergies!
• The color of your mucus may indicate whether or not you have a cold or the flu or if it is just allergies. Green and yellow mucus can be a sign of the cold or the flu. Mucus from allergies should be a clear liquid.

Treating Your Seasonal Allergies

Symptoms from fall allergies and spring allergies are the same. If you are suffering from seasonal allergies your symptoms can usually be controlled with a treatment such as nasal saline, decongestants and other over the counter or prescription antihistamines can also help to relieve some symptoms.

You can find  allergy treatment options by visiting your local MinuteClinic which is open 7 days a week with no appointment necessary. MinuteClinic has nurse practitioners and physician assistants that can help recommend the right over the counter medications and also write prescriptions if needed. 

To find your nearest MinuteClinic visit: www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/clinic-locator