Austin is considered one of the top "allergy
capitals" in the US. Dallas and Fort Worth Texas
have very similar pollen counts to Austin Texas. There are allergens
in the air throughout the year in varying amounts but for Central
Texas, December through February can be the most uncomfortable
time due to cedar allergies. January is peak season for mountain
cedar, one of the most potent allergy-triggers in the area.
Combat the cedar pollen in your home and limit your exposure
to the allergens with these tips for surviving cedar fever.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: As long as it takes to eliminate
exposure and alleviate effects of cedar allergies
Here's How:
1. Stay inside.
Staying indoors won't automatically protect you but it can help
immensely. Cedar pollen is usually strongest in the mornings,
especially from 5am to 10am. When you must be outside for extended
periods of time, do it in the afternoon or evening when pollen
counts may be lower.
2. Get rid of cedar trees.
Replace male cedar trees in your yard with other types of trees.
Encourage your neighbors to do the same. Ash, elm, and oak are
good choices.
3. Take a shower.
After being outside for an extended time, take a shower and
wash your clothes to remove cedar pollen that you may bring
in on your clothes and in your hair. Take evening showers so
that you aren't sleeping in a pollen-coated bed all night.
4. Shut the windows.
Keep windows and doors closed both in your home and in your
car when travelling to minimize exposure to cedar pollen.
5. Use the air conditioner.
When cedar pollen counts are high, run your air conditioner.
Frequently change your filter, use a HEPA filter, or place cheesecloth
over your vents to help filter more pollen.
6. Dust your furniture.
Keep your home as dust-free as possible. Dust with a damp cloth
and keep carpets and upholstery vacuumed.
7. Bathe your pets.
In addition to showering to rinse cedar pollen off of yourself,
bathe your pets as well, even if they stay indoors all the time.
Their fur traps pollen.
8. Take allergy medicines.
Take your prescribed cedar allergy medications as directed by
your doctor. For over-the-counter medications, try to take it
at the same time every day. Some evidence suggests this is more
effective than simply popping a pill on an as-needed basis.
Tips:
Cedar Pollen Counts.
Pollen counts are typically
lowest during or just after it rains (nature's way of showering
off the pollen) and on cool, cloudy days.
972-394-4405 (fax)
