
SUNDAY, Dec. 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Doctors are warning about the threat of COVID-19 transmission as cold weather forces people indoors. But indoor allergies could also take the joy out of your holiday season, an expert says.
Dust, mold, pets, furniture and houseplants can cause indoor allergies, said Dr. David Corry. He's a professor of medicine in the section of immunology, allergy and rheumatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
"Dust provides shelter for things that cause allergies, like mites and fungi, which are major components of dust themselves," he said in a college news release.
Corry suggests the following tips to reduce the risk of flare-ups due to indoor allergies:
Holiday decorations can also trigger allergies because they often collect dust during storage. Keep decorations in tightly sealed bags that are stored in a cool, dry place, Corry recommended.
When you take out your holiday decorations, do so outdoors to limit your exposure to dust that can accumulate on them, he said.
"Also keep in mind that live trees used as holiday decorations and certain holiday plants can be extremely allergenic," Corry said. "If you struggle with allergies, consider plastic alternatives."
More information
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology offers advice on mold allergy.
SOURCE: Baylor College of Medicine, news release, Dec. 7, 2020
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