To many, Fall is the time for beautiful colored leaves on trees, clean, crisp air and the gateway to Winter. To others, it’s the time of year for catching colds or the flu. These people are gearing up by safeguarding themselves from bacteria, viruses and germs and getting flu shots. Allergies in San Diego DO exist!
Although it is considered a myth that cold weather leads to colds, it does lead to allergies. You would think colder whether would mean fewer allergens such as pollen but that’s just not the case. The facts are cold and flu symptoms can make it harder to detect allergies and not be able to treat as quickly.
How To Detect Allergies in San Diego:
Approximately 35 million people in the United States suffer from pollen allergies or hay fever. Being difficult to detect is caused by the fact that allergies, flu viruses and colds offer the same symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, coughing or an itchy nose and throat. Some people will also develop dark circles under their eyes.
Is There A Way To Tell The Difference?
The symptoms of the flu or colds usually appear and disappear within a matter of days. Allergies, on the other hand, appear immediately and can last for a very long time. In some cases, the allergens stay with people throughout the entire year due to constant exposure. Another difference, if you are running a fever you have a cold or the flu.
Treatments:
Allergies in San Diego treated with the proper medications. It’s knowing how to identify where your symptoms are stemming from in order to make proper treatments. Everyone gears up to prevent the flu or colds by taking proper measures ahead of time. The same can be done to combat allergies. In order to do so, you have to understand Fall allergens.
Protecting Yourself From Fall Allergens:
Outdoors:
Certain outdoor allergens such as Ragweed are very prevalent in the fall and will send their pollen into the air continually. Statistics show that one billion pollen spores are released into the air by one single plant. That equals a huge 75% of reactions in people with allergies. Another outdoor enemy during the Fall is mold! Mold can be found in corn maze, bales of hay and those beautiful piles of colored leaves.
Indoors:
If you believe you can avoid allergies in San Diego by staying indoors, you’re wrong! An independent study revealed that indoor air is ten times more polluted than outdoor air! There are many culprits indoors that people overlook. Pet dander, dust mites and outdoor allergens that get in your hair and on your clothing. Dirty air vents, other sources of dust, etc.
Allergens That Are Airborne:
It is common practice when the weather becomes cooler everyone opens their windows for that cool, fresh air. Unfortunately, if you suffer from allergies you are letting Ragweed and other outdoor allergens directly into your home. If you want to open your windows there are two approaches you can take. Consider downloading an app to your devices or go to the Weather Channel’s website to get updates on allergy tracking and monitor the level of allergens. The other, get with your doctor for their advice on allergy treatments. There are many treatments that are over-the-counter that work very well.
Fall is a time of year that everyone wants to enjoy. From watching leaves turn into glorious colors to looking forward to Halloween and Thanksgiving, you can enjoy all of these without suffering. Find treatments that will keep your allergies at bay and learn the difference between the common cold and flu vs allergies. If you have any questions about allergies in San Diego, please visit our urgent care in San Diego today!