How to Prevent Seasonal Allergy Flares in Mild Winter Weather
Winter is officially here—the air feels cooler, and we’re reaching for extra layers to stay warm.
While Florida is known for its warmth and sunshine, the state does experience milder winters compared to its neighboring states. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, but it can still get chilly, especially in the early morning and late evening.
Despite the milder winter weather, the cooler air can still trigger sinus issues, particularly for those dealing with seasonal allergy flare-ups.
Florida’s Winters and Seasonal Allergies
Given Florida’s mild and warmer winters, allergens from various plant life remain prevalent, regardless of the season. The state’s milder winter seasons rarely provide a seasonal allergy break like other states with colder winters.
Ragweed is a common seasonal allergen during the winter months. There is also an increase in indoor allergen counts as more people choose to spend more time indoors for holiday celebrations or to escape the occasional chill. Common indoor allergens include dust mites, pet dander, and cockroach droppings.
Prevent Seasonal Allergies in Florida’s Mild Winters
- Always check pollen counts
Make sure to always check and monitor pollen counts before heading out. Tools like pollen.com and the Asthma and Allergy Forecast tool allow you to keep an eye out on pollen and allergen levels. This lets you efficiently plan your day ahead to minimize exposures to allergens that risk your sinus health.
- Monitor and manage humidity levels
Florida is a very humid state due to its location surrounded by warm waters. Humidity levels tend to be high, even during winter months. High levels of humidity are the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and mold spores that can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Keep your home’s humidity levels at the optimal level of below 50%. Running a dehumidifier or air conditioner can help manage humidity.
- Clear nasal blockages
Seasonal allergy flare-ups can cause inflammation in the sinuses. This prevents proper mucus drainage, causing mucus buildup and blocked nasal passages.
Achieve relief from congestion and breathe freely again by doing nasal irrigation with saline nasal sprays or steam inhalation. Both methods clear blockages and moisturize and soothe dry and irritated sinuses.
- Regularly clean your house
As people spend more time indoors, it is more important than ever to keep your home clean. Regularly clean – and that includes dusting and vacuuming – your home to ensure a comfortable indoor space for you and your family. Additionally, regularly change and wash your bedding to get rid of any possible dust mites, pet dander, and allergens that might have sneaked into your home and bed.
- Switch to HEPA filters
HEPA filters are capable of getting rid of very small particles of dust, contaminants, and airborne allergens. They can drastically improve indoor air quality so your family can breathe better air.
Invest in and use high-quality HEPA filters in your vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and HVAC systems.
- Keep doors and windows closed
Airborne contaminants and allergens can easily travel for miles through the wind. You don’t want any of them making their way into your home. Keep the doors and windows in your home closed shut. You can also do the same when you’re traveling in your car.
- See a professional for your seasonal allergies
Seasonal allergies can be bothersome to deal with. Winter sniffles can take a lot of the joy and festivity away. Instead of enjoying yourself, you can feel tired and out of energy quickly.
If your allergy symptoms seem to be getting worse, lasting longer, or your usual allergy medications seem to have stopped working, don’t hesitate to see your doctor for further testing. They can offer you more effective allergy treatment options and management techniques to keep your symptoms at bay.
At Gulf Coast Breathe Free, we are dedicated to helping our patients find much-awaited relief from their allergies. Book an appointment with us today and let's take you one step toward breathing freely again, regardless of the season!