Staying Healthy
How can I reduce symptoms from my winter allergies?
Ask the doctors
I have terrible allergies every winter. What can I do to make them more tolerable this year?There are some things you can do to cut down on allergy triggers. First, change the filter on your home's furnace regularly. A properly functioning filter can trap allergens, reducing your exposure. Also try to keep your house clean. Vacuum often, preferably with a device that has a HEPA filter, to contain the allergens as you clear them away. Wall-to-wall carpeting can harbor allergy-inducing debris, so if it's in the budget, change to hard-surface flooring. In addition, try to reduce humidity and moisture inside the house, because they can foster mold growth. Ensure that bathroom fans are working to clear steam, and set up dehumidifiers in damp areas of your home, like the basement. Improve bedroom air quality by investing in dust-reducing covers for pillows and mattresses, and launder bedding often, preferably at least once a week.
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