Holiday Allergies: Tips on reducing mold and dust

When we think about allergies most people associate them with Spring and Summer, but there are allergies that affect people during the Winter months and Holidays. The obvious allergies we think of are food allergies and pet allergies, but we forget about the Holiday allergy triggers that cause us to have a runny nose, to sneeze, to cough, or even bring on an asthma attack.

How snug as a bug in a rug are we when we curl up by a wood burning roaring fire. Some can trigger an asthma attack because of the smoke from the fireplace. The heat from the fireplace feels great on cold Winter nights, but if you have asthma keep your distance if you find the smoke or some fumes affect your breathing.

Oh, the wonderful smells of Christmas. If you're like me and like a real Christmas tree, be prepared for some possible watery eyes and/or sneezing. Do you know that Evergreen trees, for the most part, can have mold spores? Surprised you, didn't I? YEP! You might not be allergic to the Christmas tree after all - it could be the mold spores.

Do you like the look and smell of Pine? The pine you broke off from the tree in the front yard this morning. It looks great on a fireplace mantle. Well guess what - could be an allergy trigger because of mold spores. Under wet conditions, mold gathers in the bark and on the needles of Pine trees. How about that wood that Uncle Bud just chopped and is bringing in the house to use as fire wood? Also be mindful of any artificial smells you may bring in to your home.

Just don't take out your decorations from the attic and put them on the Christmas tree. Clean them first along with that artificial Christmas tree you have. While in storage they can gather dust and mold. For cloth decorations wash in hot soapy water to get rid of dust and mold. Items to remember to wash is that pretty base cover that's placed at the bottom of a Christmas tree. Wipe down Christmas lights, bulbs, wreaths, and the Christmas star you place on the top of the tree, just to name a few.

Don't forget your Thanksgiving decorations you have stored away too like your Fall wreaths, Turkey pillows, centerpieces, and plastic leaves, just to name a few.

Are you and your family staying at a hotel, inn, or bed & breakfast for the Holidays? Or maybe at a relative's house? If you're not sure that what's in their bed pillows won't make you sneeze, have a runny nose, or watery eyes then bring your own allergen-proof pillow cases and/or comforters. You really aren't sure about the Dust Mites either - so take precautions.

Enjoy yourself during the Holiday season and try to reduce the affects allergies have on you and your family.

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