Fighting Fall Allergies With MinuteClinic

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I’m proud to partner with MinuteClinic as part of their Fall Allergy campaign. As part of my involvement, I have received sponsorship from MinuteClinic for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are purely my own.

Fall has arrived. Here at the Jersey shore, weather has changed, changed back, and then changed again. Take a good look around and you’ll hear the sound of sniffling noses, hear people sneezing and see them rubbing their eyes. Could so many people have a cold? That’s unlikely. Chances are strong that some of them are dealing with fall allergies. After all, approximately 35 million Americans suffer from allergies. And, some of them don’t even know it! While symptoms of a cold or flu and seasonal allergies may seem similar from time to time, they are completely different things.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is the body’s hypersensitivity to substances in the environment. Mold, dust, pollen, pet dander and even some foods can cause allergic reactions. Seasonal allergies are a reaction to small airborne substances. These allergens are small proteins that usually float around in the spring, summer and fall. A cold will typically clear up pretty quickly, within 7-10 days. Allergies may last weeks or even months!

Here are some of the biggest differences between cold/flu and allergies that you need to know about.

• The main difference between a cold and allergies is that a cold is caused by a viral infection while allergy symptoms are caused by your body’s own immune system’s attempt to fight off an allergen.
• If your symptoms develop fast, it’s likely allergies. Allergy symptoms flare up as soon as you’ve come into contact with an allergen, whereas cold symptoms can take several days to develop.
• If you have a cough, it’s probably a cold. Most people with a cold will have a cough, but not everyone with allergies will have this symptom.
• Itchy eyes are a common symptom of allergies but RARELY occur with the common cold!
• The color of your mucus may indicate whether or not you have cold or the flu or if its just allergies. Green/yellow mucus can be a sign of a cold or flu. Mucus from allergies should be a clear liquid.
• One of the worst things about a cold is the fever that goes with it. If you have a fever, it’s not allergies – you’ve got a cold and if it lasts three to four days, it’s a good sign of the flu.
• If you’re aching all over, it’s probably a good sign of the flu, not allergies. Aches and pains are not symptoms of allergies or even most colds.
• How quickly did your symptoms arise? You are likely to feel flu symptoms suddenly, when allergy symptoms can worsen within a few days.
• Severe shortness of breath may seem like a symptom for allergies, but it is probably a sign of the flu.

The symptoms for all allergies are the same, regardless of whether they present themselves in the spring or fall. Itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, headache, sinus pressure are general allergy symptoms. Outdoor allergens like tree pollens are likely to cause your spring allergies. There are more allergy triggers in the fall. Typically, weed pollens, like ragweed and mold allergies are those that flare up come fall. Certain foods like bananas, melon and zucchini can also be a trigger for those allergic to ragweed. Dust mites are a common allergen in the fall. When you start to close up your house when the weather gets cooler, old blankets and quilts could be hosting dust mites that can be an irritant.

The best way to treat allergies is to avoid the allergen. That’s easier said than done. Seasonal allergies are especially problematic because we can’t just totally make the environment go away. Stay indoors, especially on dry, windy days when pollen counts are high and ragweed is in the air. Run the air conditioner vs. opening the windows and letting allergens in the house. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter attachment can help remove pollen from the air and help you breathe easier. Avoid raking leaves, especially when they are wet and the likeliness of mold is high. Wear a face mask if you need to do yard work and take off your clothes and shoes when you come into the house. Rinse your sinuses to remove mucus and allergens from your nose to help ease congestion.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies can usually be controlled with treatment including nasal saline, decongestants and over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines. Many antihistamines, which can come in liquid, pill and eye drop form, are available without a prescription. They work to block histamine and relieve itchy noses and throats, sneezing, and watery eyes.

If you are struggling to feel well, see a healthcare provider. At MinuteClinic, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants can recommend the right course of over-the- counter medications and write prescriptions when medically appropriate. They can review your medical history, perform a physical exam, analyze your symptoms and decide on a treatment plan.

For those of you unfamiliar with MinuteClinic, it is a walk-in medical clinic that’s conveniently located within select CVS Pharmacies and Target stores across the nation. There are approximately 1,100 clinics in 33 states and the District of Columbia. MinuteClinic is perfect for folks with busy schedules, as they are open 7 days a week, including weekday evening hours. No appointment is necessary to be seen, just walk-in. Most health care insurances are accepted.

Find a MinuteClinic near you here: http://bit.ly/1tizodF.When you visit your nearby clinic be sure to pick up their J&J coupon book, which will help you save up to $40 on brands you can trust!

Does anyone in your family struggle with seasonal allergies?