It’s easy to think of spring and fall as allergy seasons, since that’s when pollen makes its yearly debut. But allergy season can happen at any time of year – it all depends on what you’re allergic to and when you’re exposed to it.
Curious about allergies in the winter? Here are 6 things to know:
1. Most Allergies in the Winter Are “Indoor” Allergies.
When the temperature drops and the sun sets by afternoon, we tend to spend a lot more time indoors. We keep windows and doors shut tight and crank up the heat. For those of us who live in areas known for cold winters, our homes may have extra insulation. Unfortunately, this protection from the cold comes at a cost: as you turn up the heat, air gets recirculated right alongside allergens. You’re essentially sealed inside your home alongside those allergens.
Some of the most common indoor allergens include:
Dust or dust mites
Mold
Cockroach feces, shells, or saliva
Pet dander (certain protein in the skin, urine, and saliva of pets with fur or feathers)
(Fun fact: You’re not actually allergic to your pet’s fur – you’re allergic to the dander in the fur!)
2. It’s Still Possible to Experience Outdoor Allergies in the Winter.
A more mild winter can make the outdoors more enjoyable, but it can also bring on allergies. The milder temperatures can cause plants to pollinate early, so you may start getting those sniffles and watery eyes earlier in the year. In fact, “spring” allergies actually often begin in February in many parts of the US, before spring even hits.
There are also certain types of trees that can spur allergies because they pollinate in the winter. For example, pollen from cedar mountain trees can cause an allergic reaction called cedar fever, which can cause coughing, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose. These trees are only found in certain states (central Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona). If you’re traveling to those states in the winter, keep cedar fever in mind.
3. The Symptoms of Winter Allergies Are Similar to Symptoms of Other Seasonal Allergies.
If you have allergies in multiple seasons, you will probably notice that your winter allergy symptoms aren’t much different than the ones you know and love during the spring or summer. Some of the main symptoms are:
Stuffy or runny nose
Watery, itchy eyes
Sneezing
Coughing
Dry, itchy skin
Itchy or sore throat
Wheezing
Just like with other seasonal allergies, you can often manage symptoms with over-the-counter treatments like decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops.
Also read: Asthma and Allergy Awareness: Sarah’s Story
4. Winter Allergies and Colds Are Similar, But There Are Some Important Differences.
Winter isn’t just prime time for indoor allergies – ‘tis also the season for the common cold. Many of the symptoms overlap, but there are several differences. While allergies are triggered by a specific allergen or irritant, colds are caused by viruses.
Allergies can’t be spread from person to person, but colds are eager to visit others. It’s important to know what’s causing your symptoms so you can get the right treatment and know whether or not you’re contagious.
One of the biggest indicators is how long your symptoms last. Colds typically last a few days or a week and stop once your body is done fighting the virus. Allergies tend to linger for as long as you’re exposed to the allergen. Also, watch out for specific symptoms. If you have a fever, it’s likely due to a cold or another illness – allergies do not cause fevers.
To complicate things even further, many symptoms are also shared by viruses like COVID-19 and the flu – both of which tend to peak in winter. COVID and the flu can be serious, so it’s important to get tested, especially if you have been exposed to someone with that illness. And if your symptoms are severe or don’t improve, you may need to be treated with antivirals.
Also read: Is it a cold or the flu?
5. There Are Ways to Prevent Major Allergy Flare-Ups.
No matter how often you break out the cleaning supplies or the pet hair scraper, you won’t be able to entirely remove allergens from your home. However, there are several ways to minimize allergens and prevent significant reactions.
Some methods for de-allergen-ifying your home when you’re stuck indoors include:
Keeping a regular cleaning schedule that includes plenty of dusting and vacuuming
Wiping off holiday decorations before putting them up, especially if they have been stored in dusty or moldy areas
Keeping your pet(s) off your bed
Grooming your pet regularly
Using a dehumidifier to reduce mold-causing moisture and humidity in bathrooms and kitchens
Cleaning or replacing filters in HVAC systems often
Calling an exterminator right away if you suspect you’re sharing your home with uninvited pests
Stopping leaks before they cause mildew
Putting hypoallergenic covers on pillows and mattresses to reduce being exposed to dust mites
6. You Don’t Need to Manage Allergies on Your Own.
Sometimes, a simple over-the-counter nasal spray or allergy medicine will do the trick. But if your symptoms aren’t going away and have become more than just a minor nuisance, it may be time to work with an allergy specialist. Specialists can help you better pinpoint the allergen and find ways to prevent or manage symptoms.
At Quincy Medical Group, our board-certified allergy and immunology physicians help patients of all ages find relief from their symptoms so they can live healthier and happier lives. Allergy treatment often includes prevention, medication, and immunotherapy (allergy shots). Call (217) 222‑6550, ext. 3380, to make an appointment.
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