Allergen Avoidance

Pollen

  • When pollen counts are high:

    • Avoid going outside

    • Avoid exercising outside if asthma is one of your symptoms

    • Keep windows closed in your car and home, and put the air in your car on the recirculate setting

    • Shower/rinse off when coming inside, and change clothes to keep pollen out of the home

  • Dry your clothes in a dryer instead of on a clothesline

  • Use allergen covers on pillows and mattresses

  • Shower/rinse off at the end of the day to keep pollen from building up in your sheets

  • If pets go in & out, wash them bi-weekly (more often can be unhealthy for them) and wipe their fur down when they come inside to keep pollen out of the home

  • Certain wood smokes can contain traces of their pollen (cedar, oak, mesquite, etc.)

  • Change the filter on your air conditioner regularly, and use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter

  • Use a HEPA filter on your vacuum

Mold

  • Outdoor molds:

    • When mold counts are high:

      • Avoid going outside

      • Avoid exercising outside if asthma is one of your symptoms

      • Keep windows closed in your car and home, and put the air in your car on the recirculate setting

      • Shower/rinse off when coming inside, and change clothes to keep pollen out of the home

    • Avoid piles of decaying plants or leaves

    • Keep gutters clean and make sure water drains away from your home’s foundation

  • Indoor molds:

    • Houseplants are often a breeding ground for mold; either remove the plants or try these tips to control mold growth

    • Areas that get wet often (bathroom, utility room, kitchen) should be well ventilated to help them dry quickly

      • You can also use dehumidifiers to help with this; make sure you clean out the water collection area often to keep mold from growing there!

    • Quickly clean spills and fix leaks to prevent mold from growing

    • Use HEPA air and vacuum filters

    • Regularly clean garbage cans & refrigerator drip pans

    • Once you can see mold on food, it has already released its spores. Keep these containers closed to avoid exposure

      • Keep compost bins or buckets outside

Dust Mites

  • Dust mites collect in carpets, stuffed animals, curtains, pillows, mattresses, area rugs, and upholstered furniture

    • Remove carpets and stuffed animals if possible

    • Wash/clean curtains, area rugs, and upholstered furniture regularly

    • Put allergen/dust mite covers on pillows and mattresses

    • Vacuum carpet and upholstered seats in your car regularly

  • Wash sheets at least once a week in very hot water

  • Dust reguarly

  • Use HEPA air and vacuum filters and replace your filters regularly

  • Low humidity levels help control dust mites

Animal Dander

  • Avoid the animals you are allergic to, if possible

    • There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or cat breed!

  • If you have a pet you are allergic to, keep it out of your bedroom

  • Don’t pet, hug, or kiss the animal; if you do, wash your hands right after

  • Have a HEPA air filter running continuously in the bedroom or living room

  • Bathe your pet weekly or bi-weekly

  • It can take 7-10 months for cat dander to go away after the cat is gone. Dog dander sticks around too, but only for 4-6 months

Cockroach

  • Keep your house clean, including kitchen floors, sinks, counters, and stoves

  • Keep food containers and garbage cans sealed

  • Fix leaks - they could unknowingly give cockroaches access to water

  • Avoid piles of clutter, including magazines, laundry, newspapers, or dirty dishes

  • Consult a pest control company or exterminator