Managing Fall Allergies

Here are a few tips for easing fall allergy symptoms:

• Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed when pollen is at its peak (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to avoid being exposed to your allergy triggers. To keep track of the pollen count in your area, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology web site (www.aaaai.org).
• Before you turn on your heat for the first time, have your heating ducts cleaned. Particles of mold and other allergens can become trapped in the vents over the summer and will fill the air as soon as you crank up the furnace.
• Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your heating system to remove pollen, mold, and other particles from the air.
• Use a humidifier to keep your air at between 35 and 50 percent humidity.
• Wear a mask when you rake leaves to avoid inhaling mold spores.

To avoid food allergies:

• Pack lunch for children with allergies, and tell them not to share food with their friends.
• Inform the school about your child's allergies, and if the allergy is severe, leave an epinephrine pen with the school nurse.
• Don't let kids eat any Halloween candy until you've first checked it for allergy triggers.