Home > Media Center > Patient Newsletter > December 2011 - Rochester > Winter Allergies

Alleviate Winter Allergy Woes

People typically think of spring and fall as the most allergy-inducing seasons due to triggers like pollen and ragweed, but winter can host a surprising number of allergens— most of which are found indoors. The holiday season in particular tends to create opportunities for allergies to flare up in the millions of Americans who suffer from them.

While it’s a common misperception that people can be allergic to Christmas trees, it’s actually the mold spores found on evergreens that are the allergens. Other common winter allergy triggers are food included in holiday celebrations, and dust or mold found on seasonal items that have been in storage.

Here are some recommendations to keep winter allergies at bay:

• Store live trees in the garage or an enclosed porch for about a week before putting them up so that they dry out; but be sure you keep the trunk in a bucket of water.
• Shaking out your tree can physically remove some allergens, and this service may be available at the tree farm.
• Some evergreen trees, such as cedar and junipers, may pollinate even in winter. Use a leaf blower (in a well-ventilated outside area) to remove visible pollen before bringing the tree inside.
• For any kind of live evergreen tree, you can wipe the trunk thoroughly with a solution of warm water and diluted bleach (1 part bleach: 20 parts water) to get rid of mold.
• Clean any decorations that have been in storage before using. This includes artificial trees, which are subject to dust and mold.
• Use metal, plastic or glass decorations that cannot harbor dust mites.
• Wash fabric decorations in hot, soapy water.
• Use caution with artificial snow sprays. They can irritate your lungs if inhaled.
• Dust mites can be a problem during holiday travel. Take your own pillow with an allergen-proof cover.
• Inform the host of any holiday party you attend about your food allergies beforehand. Carry a self-injectable epinephrine (EPI pen) in case you accidentally eat or come in contact with a food to which you are allergic.

*From the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.