It may surprise you to learn about this unexpected advantage of wearing a mask during the pandemic: According to one expert, it may also help alleviate the symptoms of autumn allergies. Dr. Luz Fonacier, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), said that masks are used to protect against COVID-19, especially those that filter out larger particles the KN95 or N95 masks also tend to filter out pollen in the air. In an ACAAI press release, she said that as the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States continues to rise and more individuals put their masks back on, they may see a slight improvement in their allergy symptoms.
That Face Mask Is An Additional Protection Against The Allergens
According to Fonacier, ragweed pollen is the most common allergy trigger in the autumn and should be avoided throughout the season, along with mold and grass pollen. Ragweed pollen is typically released in August with cold nights and warm days, and it may continue to release pollen into September and October.
Ragweed is an allergen for the majority of individuals who are sensitive to spring flora. He also said that there are various additional things you may take to fight the symptoms of autumn allergies. Initially, there was insufficient data to justify widespread masking regulations for the general population. The Disease Control and PreventionCenters advised that masks be worn only by infected individuals and medical professionals who were providing treatment.
Since then, as we wrote in March, a growing body of data suggests that the use of masks can restrict the spread of COVID-19. Numerous laboratory studies have shown that well-fitting, high-quality masks may partly block exhaled respiratory droplets, which are believed to be the primary mode of viral transmission and may thus provide some protection to those who wear them. CDC researchers found that N95 respirators were the most effective in preventing the transmission of particles from a simulated cough, with 99 percent effectiveness compared to medical masks (which blocked 59 percent of the particles) and a cloth mask (which blocked 51 percent of the particles).
You should begin taking your allergy medicines around two to three weeks before you usually start to have symptoms, and you should continue to take them until pollen levels have decreased for about two weeks. To develop a personalized allergy management strategy, consult with an allergist. An allergist can also offer immunotherapy, which may be administered via injections or pills to target your particular triggers and decrease the intensity of your symptoms significantly.
According to Fonacier, allergy injections may also help avoid the development of asthma, in particular children who suffer from seasonal allergies. Moisture management is critical in the prevention and reduction of mold. Make use of bathroom fans as well as remove any standing water as soon as possible. Remove any apparent mold from surfaces by scrubbing them with soap and water and allowing them to dry thoroughly. Keep the humidity in your house below 60% and clean your gutters regularly.
Keep the windows of your vehicle and house closed and the air conditioning turned on in both locations. Keep an eye on the pollen and mold counts to determine when it’s best to remain inside. When you walk outdoors, be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes and irritating them. After spending time outside, leave your shoes at the door and put your clothing in the washing machine to clean. Wash your hair and take a shower in the evening before going to bed.