As a hypochondriac who suffers from severe allergies and asthma, the season of COVID-19 has created a huge ball of stress and panic. I have been on allergy and asthma medication my whole life and been on allergy shots for four years, but Texas is not nice to those with allergies. With a contagious virus, there are going to be times where you don’t know if it is a COVID-19 sore throat or simple nasal drip. You cough or sneeze once and you are already thinking about getting tested for COVID-19. But there is no need to fear, I am here to discuss what I have done to diminish the effects of allergies in the light of COVID-19.
- Buy an air purifier
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I bought a good and affordable air purifier for my bedroom. Your bedroom should be your clean, safe haven, and the air purifier sanitizes the air while also removing allergens, odors, and toxins. When it comes to buying an air purifier, you want to make sure you buy the right size for the room, you don’t want an air purifier that’s too small!
- Dust and Vacuum
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Vacuum/Dust all high dusty areas. I vacuum my air vents every weekend, as well as dust my ceiling fan blades, and thoroughly vacuum my carpet every week. With the constant airflow from both the ceiling fan and the air conditioner, dust still builds up and is blowing throughout the air. If you have a pet, (hypoallergenic or not), vacuum the carpet at least twice a week. Pet dander can be a huge factor in affecting one’s allergies.
- Wash your sheets
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Wash those bedsheets, duvets, comforters, and pillowcases frequently! Your bed is a paradise for germs as some people may take naps in their day clothes or even throw keys on the bed. I like to wash my sheets every weekend in hot water and disinfecting soap, so I can sleep comfortably knowing there’s no potential threat to my allergies in my bed.
- Disinfect!
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Frequently disinfect high touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, laptops, toilet handles, etc. If you work in a high contact environment, sanitize everything as soon as you get home. I personally sanitize my hands when I get in my car, and when I get home I wipe down everything I have touched in the car and anything else. We do not welcome germs in this household.
- Shower Shower Shower
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Take hot showers, wash your hands, and WASH YOUR FACE! Believe it or not, all of those allergens outside can stick to your face, so you want those allergens and germs to avoid your mouth, nose, and eyes.
- Wear a mask!
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I cannot stress the importance of wearing a mask when out in public. Not only are you protecting others from potentially harmful germs, but you are also protecting yourself from dust and allergens. Also, don’t forget to wash or disinfect your mask frequently! It does not take a whole lot to do your part in the middle of a pandemic. Something is better than nothing am I right?
- Hydration
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HYDRATE! Drinking water can help with any symptoms you may have, and staying hydrated is a great way to keep your health in good shape! Put your daily water in a pretty cup (sksksk) and try your best to drink lots of water. You can do it!
- Rinse those sinuses!
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Also, if the pesky mountain cedar or ragweed pollen is high, and you can’t stop sneezing, sinus rinses are a great and easy solution. Found at any local drug store, sinus rinses rinse out all of the pollen and allergens stuck in your nasal passages.
- Don’t take remedies for granted
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And finally (if applicable), TAKE NECESSARY MEDICATIONS! If you are an allergy or asthma sufferer like me, take all of those medications to help keep those under control. I will admit, I am lousy when it comes to taking my allergy medications every single day, then I pay the price for it. But, if you do not take any prescribed medications, do whatever feels comfortable, (and safe) for you and your body! Always talk to a medical professional if you decide you want to take medications.
This is a difficult time and we are all just trying to make it work. Remote learning and working can be stressful, so we don’t have time to worry about those annoying allergies during a time of uncertainty. Take care of yourself!