How to Survive Allergy Season Amid COVID-19

1. How to Survive Allergy Season Amid COVID-19 In a study conducted in South Korea this year, results show that people with allergic rhinitis and asthma, particularly non-allergic asthma, are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus responsible for COVID-191. If your hay fever acts up during certain months of the year, you may want to be extra careful while the COVID-19 pandemic is still in full swing. Managing Your Seasonal Allergy During a Pandemic Below are some tips for getting your seasonal allergic rhinitis under control during a health crisis: 1.Identify your allergy triggers. Seasonal allergies can be caused by different things. The most common triggers are pollen, molds, and dust mites2. 2.Avoid or minimize exposure to your known allergens. Once you know which substances trigger your allergy, stay away from or minimize your exposure to them. This means avoiding going outdoors when the pollen count is high and places where you will be exposed to dust, smog, or smoke. 3.Be proactive. Seasonal allergy treatments taken before or early in the season may minimize the symptoms of your allergy3. Doctor-prescribed or over-the-counter antihistamine, corticosteroid, and decongestant medicines can also provide relief.

2. 4.Maintain good air quality in your home. Allergens inside your home can aggravate your symptoms. Clean your HVAC system regularly andinstall air filters if you don’t have them yet to remove about 95 percent of unhealthy particles from indoor air4. 5.Keep your home clean. Aside from vacuuming and dusting your home to keep it free from pollen, dust, and dander, pay attention to areas where mold and mildew appear. These include the bathroom, kitchen, attic, and basement. Always keep these places dry, well-ventilated, and clean. 6.Use dust mite protection cover. Dust mites can aggravate your allergy symptoms during winter. Avoid this by using allergy-proof bedding, which helps reduce your exposure to dust mites and prevent them from reproducing5. Reducing Your Risk for Seasonal Allergies and the Coronavirus There are several ways you can reduce the likelihood of triggering or aggravating your seasonal allergy and your exposure to the dreaded coronavirus at the same time. These tips include: ●Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system6; ●Wearing a face mask7 and wraparound eyewear8 for additional protection against allergens, germs, and viruses; ●Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent spreading allergens, germs, and viruses in the areas where they can enter your body quickly9; ●Washing your hands frequently with water and soap for at least 20 seconds10; ●Using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available; ●Covering your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing and sneezing;

3. ●Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls; ●Avoiding the sharing of food, dishes, utensils, and makeup; ●Taking a bath after going outdoors and washing soiled clothes immediately or putting them in a separate laundry basket outside your bedroom; ●Staying at home as much as possible, especially when pollen levels are high11. What to Do if You Suspect You Have COVID-19 Some symptoms of seasonal allergies and COVID-19 overlap12. Examples of these are dry cough and a runny or congested nose. If you are sure that you are experiencing symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, continue taking your non-drowsy allergy relief medication and following other management tips. However, if you are feeling other symptoms and you are unsure if you only have an allergy, call your doctor as soon as possible. Warning signs that you should never ignore and call for immediate attention include13: ●Breathing difficulty ●State of confusion ●Persistent pain or pressure in the chest ●Bluish lips or face If you have also been in close contact with a person with COVID-19 or have recently traveled to a high-risk area, call your healthcare provider or local public health authority and follow their instructions. With these tips, we hope you’ll stay safe and healthy, especially during these times. Read more facts about seasonal allergies on our Allergy Facts page.