Why Winter Allergies in Florida Are Different and How to Manage Them
As the air and season change, Florida residents can expect winter allergens to reach new peaks. Florida’s winter season is typically mild and warmer than other states. The state doesn’t typically experience winter snow and temperatures rarely dip below freezing levels.
Unlike states that get colder during the winter season, Florida’s milder and warmer winter climate doesn’t exactly provide an escape from allergy season.
Why Florida Winter Allergy Season Hits Different
Allergens are prevalent in the state of Florida all year round. While many residents celebrate the consistent warmer and milder weather even during the winter season, it also means that unlike states with colder winter seasons, winters in Florida don’t provide much of an escape from seasonal allergens.
Because of Florida’s milder and warmer winter seasons, seasonal allergens remain prevalent all year round, even when the wind gets extra chilly. Common winter allergens in Florida include ragweed pollen and local grasses like Bahia and Bermuda.
Florida is also a humid state and is in fact one of the most humid states in the country. Elevated humidity levels create the ideal environment for mold, mildew, and mold to thrive. People with mold allergies or sensitivities need to be extra careful.
Even with milder winters, Florida residents will likely spend more time indoors to escape the colder winds. As a result, there may be a spike in indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites.
Tips to Manage Winter Allergies in the Sunshine State
1. Make it a habit to monitor pollen and mold counts
Make sure to stay informed about local pollen and mold counts. Depending on the levels of allergens in your area, plan outings and time spent outdoors accordingly. Avoid going out during peak hours. If you can’t stay home, make sure you wear protective clothing and gear to minimize allergen exposure outdoors.
2. Shut doors and windows to keep allergens out
Prevent allergens from entering your home by keeping doors and windows closed, especially on windy or high allergen count days.
3. Change out of outdoor clothes
Allergens that exacerbate allergy symptoms can quickly stick to your clothes. When you spend time outdoors, immediately change out of your outdoor clothes and get in the shower to remove any allergens that you may have picked up. This ensures you don’t spread it further in your home.
4. Change bedding regularly
You don’t want to further expose yourself to allergens while you sleep. Regularly change and wash your bedding to get rid of potential allergens. Additionally, pet dander can also trigger allergies. If you have pets at home, regularly wash your bedding and keep your bed clean and free from pet dander.
5. Maintain a clean home
Keeping a clean home is key to keeping yourself and your family healthy, regardless of the season. Regularly clean, dust, and vacuum your home. This gets rid of potential allergens, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen that can trigger allergy symptoms.
6. Use air purifiers indoors
Use quality air purifiers to keep indoor air quality healthy. Ones that use HEPA filters are more efficient in getting rid of potential allergens from the air inside your home.
7. Allergy testing and medication to manage symptoms
Allergy symptoms can quickly impact one’s quality of life and ability to accomplish simple daily tasks. If your symptoms continue despite trying our practical tips, you might want to consider consulting with an allergist for testing.
An allergy test (via either a skin prick test or blood test) will tell allergy sufferers what their allergens are. An allergist will provide them with appropriate medications and medical intervention to help manage their symptoms. Allergy shots and drops are sought-after interventions as they provide long-term relief from allergy symptoms.
At Jacksonville Breathe Free, we have a team of experts who are committed to helping allergy sufferers find relief and efficient management strategies for various allergies. Schedule a consultation with us today and finally stop your suffering!
