Allergies know no season in making your life miserable

Most people think of spring and summer as allergy season. However, if you suffer from allergies in the warmer months, you're probably not off the hook in winter either. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, more than two-thirds of spring allergy sufferers actually have year-round symptoms.

The most common winter allergies are mold, dust mites and pet dander. These allergies usually present themselves in the winter because cold temperatures keep people indoors for more hours of the day than in the spring or summer.

Symptoms of allergies are similar to those for a cold or flu: itchy eyes, sneezing and a sore throat. However, you may have allergies instead of a cold if your symptoms persist for weeks.

So, what can you do to relieve winter allergies?

• Dust, sweep and mop your house frequently to minimize allergens.

• Make sure to wash your bedding often, and if possible, switch to a hypoallergenic bedding.

• Wash your hands and face regularly to keep allergens from spreading.

• Invest in a humidifier. Putting moisture back into the air keeps your nose and throat happy.

• If your symptoms seem more intense, be sure to talk to your doctor about medications you can take to lessen the symptoms.

For more information on this topic, visit acaai.org/allergies/types/seasonal