3 Things to Know About Winter Allergies

Winter allergies affect millions of allergy sufferers, even though most seasonal pollen allergies are eliminated by freezing temperatures. What are some winter allergies to be aware of and how can you avoid them?

To assist you get through this allergy season, here are a few often asked questions.

Is it possible to have allergies in the winter?

Yes. Although most seasonal pollen allergies are mitigated by freezing temperatures, we are more exposed to indoor allergens because of spending more time indoors with the windows closed and the heat on.

Spending more time indoors, especially in places with poor ventilation, exposes people to additional allergens like mold and dust, which can cause symptoms of winter allergies. Some of the most typical symptoms of winter allergies are morning headaches, congestion, itchy eyes, increased sneezing, and a runny nose. These symptoms can be considerably worse in the morning or at night.

What are the most common causes of winter allergies?

There are quite a few winter allergens to be aware of. When you turn on your furnace to warm up the house, these allergens become airborne, accelerating your exposure.

Here are a few common winter allergens:‍

Dust Mites: As we spend more time inside during the winter, making good use of our warm sheets and blankets, our exposure to dust mites can intensify. Similar to hay fever, common signs of a dust mite allergy include sneezing and a runny nose.

Mold: During the winter, indoor molds present in the home can increase allergy flare-ups as well. This fungus often lurks in dark, damp spaces like basements and

Pet & Animal Dander: Unfortunately, the cause of this allergy is not limited to just your pet. As it gets colder outside, other animals - like mice, rats, or other rodents - may seek shelter in your home. When they do, their dander or droppings can also increase allergy and asthma symptoms.

Is it a cold or allergies?

Some symptoms can help distinguish allergies from a cold:

If you have a cold, it may cause a fever, allergens will not.
If you get a sore throat, can fall under both, but usually it’s more of a cold.
Coughs are more common with colds than allergies.
If an itchy rash occurs, it is most likely allergies. Colds do not cause itchy rashes or eyes.

Contact us if you would like to learn more about our Media Air Cleaners to help with keeping those pesky winter allergies at bay!