Cold temperature generally brings relief to people with allergy to pollen or mold. However winter cannot put an end to itchy red eyes, runny noses, wheezing for people with allergy or asthma. More time spent indoors mean more troubles with gas fumes, dust mites, cigarette smoke, pet dander, household chemicals. All these can cause asthma signs.
Mold spores can dwell in our Christmas trees. And according to immunologists the spores can provoke allergic reactions.
Actually mold can grow anywhere and it needs more than just oxygen and moisture to thrive.
There are several tips to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and asthma during the period of holidays.
- Dust mites as well as mold grow in humid environment, that’s why it is necessary to have indoor humidity under thirty five %.
- Switch on exhaust fans while cooking and showering to avoid excessive humidity and lower smells.
- You should replace the furnace filter every 2-3 months and also use the most effective filters that can remove more allergens to almost thirty times. The furnace fan should be turned on.
- Clean carefully to decrease dust mites that consume dust, pollen, skin flakes, soil particles, shed hair, fibers of clothing. You are advised to vacuum furniture regularly with a vacuum cleaner containing HEPA filters. Do not store old books, knick-knacks, stuffed animals, as those are places in which mites normally collect.
- Carpets are also a preferable place for mites to multiply. If possible there should be tile or hardwood floor in bedroom. Use special allergy covers on pillows, mattresses and box springs. Dust mites can be killed with hot water, wash nightclothes and bed linens at the temperature of over 130 degrees.
- Frost destroys mold present outdoors. Nevertheless you should not allow children to play in areas preferable for mold. These are fallen leaves piles, dark, damp wooded zones.
- You should maintain a humidifier properly while using it. You are to keep a humidifier clean and to change water often in order to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. There are anti-mold agent sprays to apply for the central humidifier.
- People suffering from dog or cat allergy should avoid any contacts with pets, or try to minimize contacts as much as possible. Pets are to kept out of bedrooms.
- Artificial trees, ornaments and different holiday decorations are to be dust properly. Next time, hose off a real fir tree outside before you bring it in your house. Be particularly attentive to the tree trunk.