Allergies aren’t only a spring thing. More than 40 million Americans cope with year-round allergies. The causes of these allergies can be as varied as the people and places they affect. But some common triggers  show up more often around the holidays.

Food.

The holidays mean plenty of parties and holiday dinners. When people are less likely to eat food at home, they heighten the chances of accidentally eating foods they’re allergic to. Some holiday dishes might even outright tempt people to eat foods they’re allergic too. To reduce the risk of food allergies this holiday you must first know yourself.

Before you can manage holiday allergies to food, you must know what foods you’re sensitive to. Once you know what you’re allergic to, you need to talk about it especially during this season of celebration. At seasonal gatherings tell your friends and family about your food allergies. Ask about ingredients in meals and desserts, and request your loved ones’ help so you can avoid the foods you’re allergic to.

 

Mold.

Molds live everywhere. Mold is invisible to the naked eye, and it floats in the air like pollen.  Disturbing a mold source can disperse mold spores into the air, triggering an allergic response in some people. People are more likely to become exposed to mold during the holidays because mold spores love damp evergreens. They will cling to the wreaths, boughs, and trees we bring inside this time of year.

To reduce your exposure to mold, consider switching to artificial decorations. If you opt for an artificial tree, beware. If your artificial greenery has been improperly stored, it can accumulate dust, mold spores, and other allergens.

If you cannot bear the sight of an artificial tree, clean a live tree before bringing it inside to help reduce mold spores. To clean your tree, shake as much debris as possible out of the tree. Then  rinse off the tree with a hose and sprayer. Leave the tree somewhere warm to dry for a couple of days before bringing it into the house.

Pets.

 

Your pet might love socializing as much as you do. One reason pet allergies tend to spike during the holidays is because pets are inside longer during the winter. Not only your pets, but the pets at your friend’s and family’s homes too.

Good news! You don’t have to banish Rex to the cold to prevent sneezing. To tame pet allergies  wash your hands and face frequently, keep floors swept, and carpets vacuumed. While you can bathe pets to reduce dander, that’s effective for only a few days. Keeping yourself scrubbed is a lot easier and more beneficial. Plus, it means you don’t have to wrestle a dog or cat into the bathtub.

The protein in pet dander that causes allergens is so light it can travel via the wind, on clothes, and even on people’s hair.  That means you can find pet dander in unlikely places such as offices, schools, and pet free homes. The best way to prepare yourself for pet allergies is prepare your body by taking allergy medications before you visit a home that has pets. When spending the night, keep pets out of your bedroom and remember pet dander can travel on clothing