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Posted on March 20, 2017 by

hello spring

On March 20th Spring is Finally Here!

spring-is-hereThe chill is out of the air and that means that spring is here! We couldn’t be more excited for the warmer temperatures, but we also know that millions of you out there associate spring with allergy season, which means it won’t be long before you're sneezing non-stop and trying to scratch your eyes out.

And if you are one of the many seasonal allergy sufferers out there, don’t worry—there are things you can do to keep allergens out of your house, to keep your home a safe zone, and to minimize your symptoms this allergy season.

What Are Allergies?

Allergic reactions happen when your body is exposed to a substance, such as pollen, and mistakes that substance for a danger. To eliminate the danger, your body creates antibodies, which in turn release a flood of histamines (that’s why you take antihistamines to fight allergy symptoms).

These histamines are what cause your eyes to water, your nose to run, and the coughing and the sneezing, because the histamines are trying to expel the danger that your immune system detected. So basically, allergic reactions are your body reacting to a perceived threat.

Why Spring Always Brings Allergens

closed-windowMany plants and creatures go into a state of dormancy during the winter, so spring marks the time to come back to life for another year. For many creatures and plants, spring is also a time to reproduce. Some plants reproduce by sending pollen and spores out into the world, including:

  • Weeds
  • Trees
  • Grasses
  • Molds

When it comes to seasonal allergies in spring, summer, and fall, it’s the pollen and spores from these plants and flora that are most often responsible for the itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing that are associated with seasonal allergies.

Fighting Allergens in the House

Wind-borne allergens: Allergens like pollen are quite small, so they have no trouble getting around by catching a ride on the wind. In fact, pollen and spores can travel for miles, so even if you don’t have an allergy source in your neighborhood, you may still feel the effects. That means that allergens often get into your house through open windows, doors, and vents. And that’s why it’s so important to keep your windows and doors closed during allergy season, and why you should install HEPA filters on all the air intakes coming into your house, such as your air conditioner.

pet-allergensAnimal-borne allergens: Wind isn't your only enemy as an allergy sufferer, and allergens can also come into your house on you and your pets. Pollen, spores, and pet allergens love sticking to things like fur, hair, and clothes, so it’s important to wash your clothes, body, and hair after being outside, and to wash and brush your pets regularly.

Expert tip: You can help control allergy symptoms by dusting and vacuuming twice a week, getting rid of carpeting in your house, staying inside on high-pollen days, and keeping your bedroom clean and pet-free.

Filters and air purifiers are some of the best ways to keep your house an allergy-free zone and we’re well aware that your house may be the only safe haven you find all season.

Mid Florida A/C has been helping allergy sufferers in the Debary, FL area to allergy-proof their homes for years, and we can help you do the same. Give us a call at 386-668-8752 to discuss your options, or to book an appointment.