Allergies tend to take us by surprise, especially if we only have spring-related allergies like pollen.  Our symptoms subside over the winter and then with the first warm breezy day we start sneezing. Here are some preemptive measures you can take before spring allergy season 2016 takes hold.

1. Complete An Early Spring Cleaning

The dust that has lain dormant over the winter will be whipped up into an allergy frenzy when you open the windows on the first warm day of spring. Do a thorough spring cleaning. Be sure to change air filters in your furnace and clean air vents throughout the house.

2. Don’t Take Pollen to Bed

Bedding can actually accrue pollen and other allergens as you come and go from your home on temperate days. Wash your sheets weekly in hot water to prevent allergen build-ups. This is especially true for pillow cases!

3. Shower Before Bed

Further prevent allergens from following you to bed by showering at night. Pollen particles can cling to hair and skin.

4. Get an Air Purifier

Air purifiers are especially helpful on high pollen count days. Choose an air purifier with a True HEPA filter that cleans 99.97% of allergy-causing irritants from the air such as pollen, ragweed, animal dander, and mold spores. Many air purifiers also include a carbon filter for reducing odors, certainly an added benefit. Running an air purifier in your bedroom at night also helps you sleep better. If you do, get one that runs quietly.  Also make sure to change your filter regularly. Find an air purifier with a filter change indicator so you don’t have to keep checking.

New AeraSmart™ Sensor Technology monitors the air quality and automatically adjusts the fan speed to keep your air purified.

5. Avoid Hair Products if Possible

Hair gels and sprays are pollen magnets. If you must use hair products, at least rely on step 3 to wash hair thoroughly at the end of the day.

6. Remove Shoes At Home Shoes, like hair and skin can pick up allergen particles that have settled on the ground. Wearing shoes indoors can circulate those particles in your house.

7. Wear Shades Outside Pollen and other allergens and accumulate around the eyes. Sunglasses can protect the eye areas.