Find relief from occasional allergy symptoms this fall

(BPT) - Fall’s arrival brings fun family activities such as pumpkin picking, football watching and Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, it can also bring unwanted allergy and sinus symptoms. Fall allergy and sinus symptoms can be unpredictable and can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors including weeds, mold or even indoor allergens.

While these triggers cannot be completely removed from your environment, there are simple precautions you can take to help reduce your exposure to common allergens and treat your symptoms:

Check the pollen count. Go to a weather website – or download an app – that provides the most up-to-date pollen and mold counts for your area. If the pollen or mold level is high, be sure to plan accordingly. Delay apple picking and other outdoor activities until later in the day when pollen counts are typically lower.

Mask on, rake off. Make sure leaves are removed from your yards and gutters. If you remove them yourself, wear a mask to avoid breathing in mold spores.

Prepare for travel. With the busy holiday travel season coming, make sure you plan ahead by packing your own allergy-proof pillow or mattress casing to protect against dust mites. At hotels, request a room that is nonsmoking and mold-free.

Clean allergen-ridden areas inside. It is important to clean the areas in which allergens collect – including floors, ceiling fans, blinds, furniture, refrigerators, carpets, bedding, and pillows. With bedding, make sure to wash it in hot water every week.

Keep your pets clean. When pets are indoors more often, the exposure to pet dander escalates, leading to a corresponding surge in allergy symptoms.  Bathe your pet and vacuum your house regularly with a vacuum cleaner with high suction power and filtration.

Take an as-needed over-the-counter medication. Stock up on an over-the-counter medication that can treat your specific symptoms. New QlearQuil, from the makers of Vicks NyQuil and DayQuil, is a family of powerfully effective, over-the-counter allergy and sinus medicines that provide day, night or 24-hour relief, only when you need it. For more information, visit www.vicks.com.

Don’t let an “allergy day” or “allergy night” get in the way of enjoying time with your family and friends this fall. Take the precautions necessary so you can enjoy everything the harvest has to offer.