What to Do if You Have Allergies in Winter

Most of us feel that allergies occur mainly in the fall and summer months when frequently seen allergens such as pollen, mites, and insects are going on rampage. However, that does not mean that these go away during winter.  In fact, it’s more imperative to correctly identify allergies in winter, especially since allergy symptoms and the common cold share similar signs. 

If you do isolate an allergic reaction, verified by a medical professional, of course, consider the following tips when managing the condition. 

1. Use a HEPA Filter To Purify Air

Air filtration⁽¹⁾ can help reduce the presence of airborne allergens like dust mites and pet danders. The lesser your contact with these irritants, the easier it is to manage allergies in winter. 

Among the devices you can install to regulate indoor air quality at home is the HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. This air filtration device contains internal fibers that trap not just dirt, dust, pollen, and moisture but also bacteria and viruses that may cause infections.  

A Quick Fact: A recent study also shows that using wearable air purifiers⁽²⁾ can limit direct contact with airborne allergens. These portable devices also contain HEPA filters that block air particles. Still, additional research is needed to evaluate the level of protection it provides against seasonal allergies in winter.  

2. Ensure Efficient Air Flow at Home

Since you’ll likely spend more time indoors than outdoors during winter, checking your air vents and other ventilation systems should be part of your preparation for the season. Constricted airflow⁽³⁾ inside may increase moisture buildup and the free dispersion of allergens. 

If there are blockages in the vent, fans, or ducts, including aggregations of dust or other items, the particulates of the air will have little chance of being expelled from your home.

Besides cleaning filters, you can increase the usage of fans to circulate the air. If you have an HVAC system, get it serviced regularly. Ask a professional to check your unit before winter sets in to ensure that no malfunction is witnessed in the flow of air or dissipation of heat.

3. Perform Regular House Cleaning

The enticing hibernation associated with winter can sometimes induce a feeling of immobilization. Hence, we do major clearingouts during spring cleaning. However, if you have allergies in winter, you shouldn’t sleep on regular house cleaning. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself dealing with allergy symptoms due to the accumulation of airborne allergens.  

Vacuum two to three times a week, especially your upholstered furniture. Wash your beddings, including pillowcases and your comforter, with hot water to eliminate dust mites⁽⁴⁾. 

A Quick Tip: On top of regular house cleaning, schedule a thorough or even professional cleaning before winter kicks in. Wash your curtains and blinds. Then, clean out your fridge to remove items that may harbor molds, such as spoiled dairy products⁽⁵⁾.

4. Remove Items That Harbor Danders and Mites

If you are diagnosed with allergies to pet danders or mites, it’s best to remove or reduce items to which these allergens can attach. For example, if you have a wall-to-wall carpet at home⁽⁶⁾, you may want to strip it all out or schedule regular cleaning, depending on your budget and time. 

Additionally, consider decluttering before winter. Throw out old rugs, stuffed animals, clothes, and papers that you no longer deem worth keeping. Otherwise, they’ll be just a reservoir of allergens.

More importantly, when you find molds in the walls, the corners, or any other part of the house, do not delay further to get rid of them. Molds typically love to bloom in damp places, such as in a bathroom and leaky ceiling, and areas containing soil, like the pot of your indoor plant.

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Christmas Tree Allergies

5. Keep Your Medications Around 

Sometimes, even the most effective preventive measures are not enough to completely avoid an allergic reaction. That said, it’s always recommended to stock up on over-the-counter medications for allergies, like antihistamines, corticosteroids, and an epinephrine autoinjector⁽⁷⁾, in cases when allergy symptoms act up. 

Make sure they are available and accessible, and other people from your household are aware of their whereabouts. If the symptoms do not subside, don’t hesitate to go straight to the emergency room. 

An overlooked allergy can lead to life-threatening situations. You’ll want to avoid anaphylaxis–a potentially fatal acute hypersensitivity reaction. 

Identifying Seasonal Allergies in Winter

Allergies and colds have several symptoms they share in common, such as sore throat, sneezing, fatigue, coughing, and stuffy nose. Both conditions can also occur during winter. As a result, an individual unfamiliar with allergies may just as easily identify the reaction as a simple common cold. 

To distinguish an allergy, take note of the symptoms typical of an allergic reaction but not of a cold. Specifically:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy nose
• Skin rashes
• Absence of fever

If you do observe these symptoms, consult an allergist or your doctor. Keep in mind that as you spend more time indoors during winter, the allergens responsible for the allergic reactions are typically those situated inside your home. Dust mites, molds, pet dander, animal droppings, and cockroaches trigger some of the most common winter allergies. 

Pro tip: There is no other way to verify an allergy except by undergoing a diagnostic allergy test. For allergies in the winter, you’ll likely be more suited to take an environmental allergy blood test. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to have allergies in the winter?

Yes, allergies occurring during winter aren’t out of the ordinary. For one, staying indoors can expose you to allergens that typically thrive in close spaces, like mites, dust, pet danders, and molds. These triggers can cause immune reactions as bad as those of outdoor allergens. 

How can I calm my allergies in the winter?

Taking allergy medications like antihistamines and decongestants remains an effective go-to strategy to minimize symptoms of allergy problems in the winter. In addition, clearing out or avoiding common indoor allergens can help prevent flare-ups. 

Does cold air trigger allergies?

The cold air, especially during fall and winter, does not necessarily trigger allergies under normal circumstances. But it can exacerbate the allergic reactions. On the other hand, a rare allergic condition known as cold urticaria⁽⁸⁾ develops allergy symptoms like skin rashes upon exposure to cold air. 

In a Nutshell

You can have allergies in the winter, especially in a place filled with indoor allergens. But much like any other season, the key to managing a perennial allergy is following effective preventive measures that keep you away from triggers. Make sure to put in place a good balance between the medical intervention set by your doctor and the practical steps you can take on your own.