Many of us associate allergies with the changing of the seasons – the cold-like symptoms that accompany the unfurling of spring blossoms and the descent of vegetation in the fall. People who suffer the most during these times of the year are likely allergic to pollen (more than 25 million Americans are!) and experience the sneezing and runny noses that come with the invasion of pollen into our bodies. We don’t often think about the allergens that live indoors and wreak havoc during the colder months, but they are very real and affect a significant number of people.
While pollen may not be a source of allergies during the winter months, many other allergens can cause their own kind of grief. The list of indoor allergens is quite long and includes things like dust mites, molds
Because we spend so much more time indoors when it is cold outside, those particles that are circulating in our homes and work environments continue to irritate us as the winter marches on. The symptoms of indoor allergies are similar to what we experience during pollen outbreaks in the spring and fall:
For residents living in Evergreen Senior Living apartments, the building maintenance teams work diligently to keep air filters clean and furnaces and other ventilation systems operating at optimal performance. If you think there are an unusual amount of allergens circulating in your apartment that is causing you to feel unwell, speak to the management team to inquire about having your unit inspected to ensure everything is in top working order.
It is also important not to assume that the source of feeling unwell is winter allergies – it could be a cold or the flu. While many allergy symptoms may mimic a cold, there are differences and you should contact the nursing team if you suspect what you are experiencing is more than allergies. A cold normally doesn’t last for more than 10 days, and along with the flu, a cold is often accompanied by a fever or other aches and pains that likely will not occur with allergies.
Just like with pollen allergies, you can use antihistamines or decongestants to help abate any winter allergy symptoms. Speak with the wellness team at Evergreen Senior Living to find out your options and if you need to consult with your general practitioner. It is important that any over-the-counter medications you take for allergies do not interfere with other medications you are taking for other conditions.
