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Ragweed pollen can travel up to 400 miles, causing allergy symptoms for those nowhere near the plant. Meanwhile, mold spores thrive in damp outdoor spaces and can be found in jack-o-lanterns, corn mazes, piles of leaves, hay rides, apple orchards and playground mulch.
Dr. Santos offers the following tips to deal with fall allergies:
Go early and late. Try to avoid going outside and keep windows closed from late-morning to mid-afternoon when weed pollen counts are highest.
Wash away pollens immediately. When you return indoors from raking leaves, exercising or fall outings, immediately shower and change clothes to wash away the allergens from your skin, hair and clothes.
Cover up. If you’re particularly sensitive, wear a mask when raking leaves or using a leaf blower.
Prepare for colder weather. Before turning your heater on for the first time this season, clean the vents and change your air filter to remove mold or other allergens that may be been trapped over the summer.
Be mindful of other irritants. For those with asthma, various irritants from particulate matter in bonfire smoke, wood fireplaces and stoves, and dust collected from stored blankets can be triggers for an asthma attack.
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