It’s that time of the year again… Summer is officially here and the pollen outside is in full force! Now is the time for those who struggle with allergies suffer the most.
If this is true for your senior, we understand their struggle. But fortunately, there are several remedies to help lessen your senior’s allergies and keep them manageable this season!
Read on below and learn our favorite tips and tricks to keep allergies quiet.
Go to the Drugstore
Many allergies can be cured, or symptoms clear, with a simple OTC medication from a drug store! There are some drugs, like decongestants, that will help clear stuffed up noses. Other drugs, like antihistamines, can relieve sneezing, sniffling, and an itchy throat.
Before you go picking up medication for your seniors, be sure to check with their doctor or caregiver to make sure it’s okay for them to take –just in case.
Bonus Tip: If your senior prefers to try to keep allergies away without any OTC medications, we recommend saltwater!
A saline nasal rinse can help clear out allergens from the nasal membranes and minimize symptoms. If your senior’s throat is aggravated, have them gargle some salt water.
Stay In and Keep Windows Closed
If your senior usually head outdoors for some daily exercise, suggest that they try a workout indoors instead. This goes likewise for if your senior likes to get fresh air with the windows open.
This season, they’re better kept closed.
At the very least, your senior can check the pollen counts first thing in the morning to see if it’s suitable for them to be outside or have the windows open.
Wear a Mask Outside
If pollen counts are high, and your senior must go outdoors –whether it’s for chores, running errands, or a leisurely stroll –encourage them to wear an N95mask. Wearing a mask can help minimize your senior’s exposure to pollen particles–95% of these particles, to be exact.
Determine if It’s Really Allergies
Lastly, you want to be especially positive that your senior is in fact suffering from allergies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, no symptom should be taken lightly.
If your senior experiences any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call their doctor to be safe: shortness of breath, fever or chills, a cough, fatigue, body ache, headache, loss of smell or taste, sore throat or congestion, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
If you still need further advice to help manage your senior loved one’s allergies, please feel free to reach out and contact our experts here at Home Care Assistance! We are happy to help.