Don’t Let Summer Make Your Family Sick

Don’t Let Summer

Make Your Family Sick

Despite Covid taking a backseat, there is a rise in the number of respiratory and influenza cases in the region, many of which are correlated with allergies to dust, pollution, and pollen. Here to help, Alexander Provins, Director EMEA, Blueair reveals the key ways to reduce allergens in your home to ensure your family stays healthy during the summer.

According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the UAE is expected to see a rise in humidity and dusty weather with the rising temperatures in the coming days. In such conditions, typical determinants of allergens such as pollen and dust particles can pass through the eyes, nose, throat and other mucosal tissues and skin, directly causing varying degrees of irritations or allergic reactions as well as respiratory diseases.

WASH IT AWAY

Those of us with severe allergies face the most challenges during this time of year, as tiny particles irritate the insides of the nose, followed by the sinuses being provoked as well. In addition to the forecasted weather conditions, the spring and summer months in the region can be considered a peak time for allergies as trees and grass release pollen grains into the air as well as the increase in dust the hotter temperatures bring. These contaminants can get stuck on our clothes, where we can then bring them into the home and thus increase the chance of causing irritation. Considering this, it is advisable to change clothes and shower thoroughly when returning home. This way, collected pollen and dust on our clothes are washed away and do not make their way inside the home.

CONTROL DUST

According to research by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, dust found in indoor air can lower productivity and increase a feeling of fatigue. To keep sand and dust out of your home, close doors and windows immediately and seal them with adhesive tape if required. Also, dust can be found on carpets and in cluttered spaces. By removing unnecessary items from surfaces and minimizing the number of carpets in the home, it can help to reduce levels of dust allergens in the house. Regularly vacuuming the home can also be a quick and easy solution to help control a build-up of indoor air pollutants

CONTROL TEMPERATURES

Hot and humid houses are breeding grounds for allergens, bacteria, and dust mites. The moisture in the air allows bacteria to multiply, which can become harmful. To stop the growth of these allergens, an efficient way is to control the overall house temperature, keeping it between 22-23 Celsius. If possible, the relative humidity should be set no higher than 50 percent. Regularly cleaning AC ducts is also an effective way to reduce allergens from spreading throughout the home. Although allergy symptoms are inevitable at some point during the year, your home can be a refuge from contaminants. Ensure to take the required measures to reduce allergens to increase the air quality inside the home and breathe easily during this dusty weather.

CONSUME MORE LIQUIDS

Drink lots of fluids and consume plenty of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables to support your immune system and help to keep the respiratory system clear and moist and prevent throat pain. H