What Can We Do To Avoid Allergies?

Allergies to Dust Mites

• Choose low pile carpets in the house or preferably tiles or wooden floors.
• Use plastic covers on pillows and mattresses.
• Do not use feather or down-filled pillows.
• Clean surfaces and vacuum floors weekly.
• Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter to collect dust and dust mites.
• Wash bed linen at 60°C to kill mites.

Pollen allergies and hayfever

• The most effective strategy is to avoid contact with pollen.
• If possible avoid allowing pollen in to the bedroom: wash your hair before going to bed and leave your day clothes outside the bedroom.
• Let fresh air into the house during rainy days.
• Leave windows closed at night.
• Protect your eyes with sunglasses when outside.
• Use disposable handkerchiefs.
• Avoid physical activity in the openair, if possible.
• Stay at home with the windows closed on days with high predicted pollen counts.
• Do not leave washing to dry in the open air as it picks up pollen. There is less grass pollen in forests with dense foliage, so take walks in wooded areas if you are allergic to grass pollen.
• Install an air filter in the car and in the house if possible.

Allergies to Pets
If not having a pet at all is not an option:

• Keep your pets outside as much as possible.
• Brush your pet outside
• Keep pets out of the bedroom.
• Wash your pet weekly.