How families can prepare for allergies as seasons begin to change

SIMPSON COUNTY, Ky. – Summer is leaving and fall is on the way, however, season swapping isn’t always loved by those with allergies.  

“In Kentucky, we are fortunate that we can grow a lot of crops but also our sinuses. So, it’s very important if people already established allergies, generally we tell patients to start their medicine about 2 weeks prior to that,” Salita Hogan, a nurse practitioner with Med Center Health’s school-based clinics in Simpson County, said.

Preventative medicines like Flonase, Zyrtec and Claritin are just to name a few. Medicine can only work so much, so parents are urged to strengthen their kids’ immune system through diet and exercise.

“Make sure they have a well-balanced diet and they stay hydrated. If it is a challenge to get your children to eat the rainbow so that they get those vitamins and foods, do try a supplement,” Hogan said.

She said creating a routine for families, helps being extra aid and paying attention to your allergies helps prevent things like scarring tissue in the lungs.

“It is extremely important to take those steps in preventing allergy flares and controlling that because that will help eliminate the sore throat coming from a postnasal drip from allergy,” she explained.

Keeping windows shut, vacuuming your house and cleaning your HVAC systems are also ways to set your home up to battle the autumn allergies.