As we approach the cooler weather, we also get closer to the Flu and Cold seasons. We try our hardest to keep our family clean from all the many germs and bacteria out there, and it gets especially tough during the winter that even flu shots and heavy hand-washing don’t always seem to help.
Then, whenever we think we’re past the flu season, we get hit with the dreaded allergies of outside. Many people think that allergies aren’t a thing during colder weather, but the truth is that they can thrive in the cold.
Would it surprise you to know that roughly 35 million Americans suffer from pollen allergies, sometimes known as hay fever, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America? That is an incredible number of people, and symptoms range from sneezing and a runny/stuffy nose to coughing and an itchy throat. While we aren’t health experts, here are a few things to consider if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
How do I know if I have a cold or just allergies?
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- Time to recover- Typically, cold and flu symptoms can last for as little as a few days. Allergies can last for much longer, so if you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for a while, you could be experiencing allergies.
- Treatment- many people recommend flu shots or other vaccines, but sometimes there isn’t a lot that can be done for the cold or the flu. You can usually find relief from allergy symptoms with eye drops or allergy medication.
- Temperature- Measuring your own temperature to check for a fever can be a great indicator of a cold or the flu. Allergies don’t typically bring along a fever.
Knowing the differences between these will help you properly treat what you’re feeling. There’s a common saying that goes, “The best defense is a good offense”, and an example of this is getting flu shots, which can help a lot. However, what can be done to prevent hay fever?
Reduce, Remove, Relieve
As much as we’d love to never experience allergens again, we won’t be able to (unless you’re willing to live in a glass box). With this said, there are a few things you can do to limit the presence of allergens in your home, like high-efficiency filters and regular cleanings.
Reduce — To reduce the allergens in your house, you can start by installing a high-quality filter for your furnace that has a minimum filtration rating of MERV 8. This will bring in and capture airborne allergens like dander, pollen, and dust. Regular vacuuming your rugs and carpets with a 3-stage HEPA filter at least twice a week can also help.
Remove — If you’d like to remove allergens from your home, the best way to do this is by calling Chem-Dry of North County. An independent lab study showed that our Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) process can get rid of over 98% of typical household allergens and over 89% of airborne bacteria. Our specialized cleaning techniques use a third of the water that other steam cleaners use, which gives you a fraction of the time to dry, making mold growth nearly impossible.
Relieve — When disasters strike, it’s time for your best defense to take the field: Chem-Dry of North County. A professional carpet and upholstery cleaning before the colder months come can remove that harmful bacteria and those ugly allergens and help your family stay as healthy as possible.
Don’t wait any longer to have a cleaner home, call today to get an appointment scheduled!