Winter Allergies or A Cold?

Most people associate spring and fall with typical allergy seasons, winter is often relegated to the time of year everyone seems to be sick — whether it’s a cold, the flu or some awful combination thereof. But winter allergies are a real issue for many people — and they can put a damper on winter holiday festivities. So don’t sit out your ski trip or call it early on New Year’s Eve — tackle those allergies with some smart technology designed to keep your home’s air and surfaces cleaner. 

First, it’s important to determine whether what you’re experiencing is allergies or an actual cold.

Winter allergies can start when it gets cold and it becomes time to turn on your furnace. Doing so can send dust, mold spores, and insect parts into your indoor environment. These allergens can then be breathed in through your nose, causing an allergic reaction.

According to the Washington Post, some people “react to dust mites or mold spores as if it they were a pathogen. There’s an antibody response and an inflammatory cascade of events that leads to the classic symptoms — itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing.”

The three biggest causes of winter allergies are dust mites, mold and animals.

• Dust mites are tiny bugs that thrive in mattresses and bedding. When their fecal matter becomes airborne, it can cause an allergic and/or asthmatic reaction in people who are allergic.
• Mold loves damp, humid areas like basements, piles of leaves, laundry rooms and bathrooms. If mold spores become airborne and are inhaled, they can cause allergy symptoms.
• And Pets! Oh — we love our four legged friends, but when it’s cold outside, they’re often inside with us (as they should be!) — which means we’re exposed to a little more of them then we should; their dander.

How do you know if your symptoms are winter allergies…or really a cold?

The Washington Post reports that “…while they are caused by different things, both a virus and an allergen set off your body’s immune responses. That’s why symptoms overlap — a runny or stuffy nose, a cough and sore throat, and fatigue. Some symptoms are more likely to occur with allergies, such as itchiness of the eyes, ears and back of the throat. Other symptoms, such as aches and fever, indicate a viral infection.”
Allergies are also longer-lasting. A cold should come and go within a week; allergies can linger an entire season.

Allergy Buyers Club offers a large variety of products designed to eliminate as many allergy and asthma triggers as possible in your indoor space.

Our Top Picks:

PowerPure 5000 Warm & Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier The PowerPure 5000 humidifier is our best new humidifier for 2016 and has been awarded our esteemed Category Winner award. Not only is this the best looking humidifier in our portfolio, it also outperforms and offers the highest quality components in the market. Humidifies up to 700 square feet Ultrasonic technology offers near silent operation Permanent ceramic filter softens and cleans water in the holding tank Optional Negative Ion generator improves air quality and has a positive effect on mood Intuitive LCD control panel Soft touch buttons Remote control 12 hour timer function Read the reviews here!

PowerPure by Aerus AP03 Combination HEPA Air Purifier & Ultrasonic Humidifier The PowerPure AP03 provides both air purification and humidification for you to enjoy more comfortable and healthy air. The two primary functions operate independently from one another so that you can purify the air all year and then humidify only when needed in the dry months or when suffering from a respiratory illness. Features a true HEPA filter for removal of microscopic sized airborne particles Utilizes a robust, granulated honeycomb designed carbon filter for the removal of odor, VOCs and chemicals Includes a 1.05 gallon water tank and ultrasonic humidifier to ensure the air is moist and healthy Air purifier will always be running for proper circulation while and humidifier can be turned on or off when humidity is needed. Read the reviews here!