Understanding Winter Allergies: Everything You Need To Know

There are many symptoms¹ of indoor, winter allergies that you might experience. These include, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, coughing and postnasal drip, and itchy eyes and nose. As you can see, the effects are not unlike the symptoms of the common cold, so we’ll go into some more detail on how you can tell the two apart.

Winter allergies and colds share a few similar symptoms and can often be confused for the other. Time will often be the most telling factor of which one is affecting you. A cold will usually last between 3-5 days before eventually going away. If your symptoms last for longer than that, than you might be suffering from winter allergies. If you’re unable to locate the cause of your allergies, you may want to consult with your doctor.

Winter Allergies	Colds
Nasal secretions are watery, clear	Nasal secretions are discolored
Itchy eyes and throat	Chills and body aches
Symptoms persist for weeks	Symptoms are usually gone in a week

If your friend or loved one caught the cold or flu. checkout our suggestions for how to make the ultimate get well care package  that will surely bring a smile to their face.

A few allergies become more severe during the winter months but by far the most noticeable are your common indoor allergies, such as mold and dust. This is because you’ll be spending more time inside during the winter and don’t often have fresh air circulating throughout your home. On top of that, the dry air that comes with the colder temperatures can cause your allergy symptoms to seem more pronounced.

Typically, yes. Allergies to pet dander are very common – some people can’t even be in the same room as a dog or cat if they have a severe case. The prolonged exposure to your pet being inside in a confined space during the winter months can inherently lead to a surge in symptoms. To help, bathe your pets weekly, if possible, to wash away dander and other allergens from their fur⁴.

Surprisingly, many of the same allergens that trigger your allergies in the summer can be found in the winter. Because we spend more time indoors your allergies may even intensify due to more frequent and closer exposure. Some of the most common triggers² in the winter include:

Mold

Airborne molds are a common cause of allergies all year round and can be present indoors and outdoors. Indoor mold contamination often depends on the moisture levels inside your house.

Dust Mites

Dust mites can be found practically everywhere inside your house. While there’s no getting rid of them completely, dialing up regular cleaning of surfaces and textiles in your home will help.

Dander

Pet dander can cause allergies at any time of the year, but as you hunker down for winter you might find you pet allergies to be worse due to all the time you and your pet are spending indoors.

Damp wood­

Moist cut wood that’s been stored outside can become a breeding ground for mold spores. Bringing that wood inside for fires is an open invitation to allergy triggers.

Temperate climates

Milder climates where there’s no, or few, hard freezes can result in the year-round presence of plant-based allergens like pollen

Use Kleenex^® facial tissues to soothe symptoms

As America’s softest facial tissue brand^*, Kleenex^® Lotion™ tissues are infused with aloe and Vitamin E to nourish and protect skin. Consider keeping a box of Kleenex^® facial tissues in the kitchen, living room, guest room, office, bathroom and bedroom so that the softest comfort for your nose is always at arm’s reach.

*among national brands

Wash hands and face often

Washing your hands and face will reduce the amount of allergens that will enter your body.

Wash bedding in hot water

As much as we may not want to think about this, dust mites and pet dander love to live on your bedsheets. Help minimize your exposure of these pesty allergens by washing your sheets, pillowcases, comforters and blankets in hot water (at least 130 °F)⁴ 2-4 times a month.

Vacuum often

Vacuuming can go a long way in reducing the amount of dust mites and pet dander in your environment ­– two of the most common winter allergens. If you’re noticing your allergies are especially bad during the winter, this is an excellent first preventative step to take.

Use a humidifier

Dry air is common during the winter, and it becomes easier to find yourself dehydrated, which can exacerbate your symptoms. A humidifier can pump some much-needed moisture into the air and may even help reduce nasal congestion

Check firewood

Firewood can be a breeding ground for moisture and mold so make sure that you’re storing yours in a dry, and well-ventilated environment, preferably outside. Only bring in new logs as you’re ready to burn them.

Avoid smoke­

While a crackling fire might sound romantic during the winter, smoke can aggravate existing allergies. You can reduce your exposure to it with a glass door over your fireplace if you find it bothering you or cut back on the number of open fires you have.

Wipe your feet at the door

Many of the allergens found in your house were brought inside from your shoes or clothing. Removing your shoes at the front door or wiping your feet before you enter, especially after nature walks, is a simple step you can take towards reducing allergens in your home.

Be smart with storage

Seasonal items like winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves and even home décor items should be stored in air-tight containers when not being used to prevent buildup of dust and mold.

Carry a Kleenex^® On-The-Go Pocket Pack

Winter allergies can sneak up on you like the first snowfall. That’s why it’s a good idea to always keep a Kleenex^® On-The-Go Pocket Pack on-hand to provide immediate relief. These convenient tissue packs are made of 3-layers to comfort your face and help protect hands. Tuck them in your purse, gym bag, your child’s backpack or in the car so the comfort and superior softness of a Kleenex^® tissue is always within reach.

With Kleenex^® brand tissues, winter allergies won’t get you down! Learn more about pollen allergies in the US by checking out our article on tree pollens.