The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology did a survey to find out which avoidance measures are being followed (or not). Here are the results and recommendations:
Leaving windows open
As a rule keep windows closed and the air conditioner on when it's pollen season. Set the AC to "recirculate," and if it's not hot outside, you can keep it in filter-only mode. Studies show that using an air conditioner in your car can cut the amount of pollen you breathe by as much as 30 percent.
Exercising outdoors at the wrong time
Since grasses and trees start releasing pollen at sunrise, levels peak in the late morning and early afternoon. Exercising in the late afternoon or evening outdoors has been long recommended by allergists due to the lower pollen counts. Exercising when the pollen counts are lower can make a big difference without the struggle.
Underestimating an air purifier
Room air purifiers and filters are an extremely effective way to remove pollen, animal dander, dust, and other allergens from indoor air. Keep doors and windows closed in the room where you're using one since it is only effective to filter room-size areas.
Expired EpiPen (autoinjector) and keeping them handy
For those persons with a history of a serious allergic reaction always replace expired Epipens, especially since these are life-saving medications. Leaving Epipens directly exposed to heat or cold destroys the effect and will not help in times of emergency. Keep them with you, much like your wallet - you never know when the need will arise. Lastly, KNOW how to use it.
Keeping clutter
Stuffed animals are major magnets for dust, a common allergy trigger for asthma and allergy flares. Limiting the number of stuffed toys and washing them weekly can help reducing exposure but sometimes this may not be enough, especially when the person is very sensitive to dust and would be good reason to give the toys away.
Ignoring your symptoms
Adults can become allergic to pets or pollen after years of allergy-free living. If antibiotics are required once or twice a year for sinusitis when the seasons change, this could be related to a pollen allergy and should be evaluated by an allergist.
Using down comforters
Feathered comforters can act as a reservoir for dust mites as well as can naturally breakdown over time making allergy symptoms worse. The cure - switch to polyester/fiberfill, but if you must have the down, encase them with dust mite covers.
Sleeping with your pet if you have pet allergies, current recommendations include keeping your pet outside the bedroom
"Your bedroom should essentially be an allergy-free zone," he said. For the same reason, you're better off with bare floors in the bedroom, or only using a rug or two that you can throw in the wash periodically.
Hypoallergenic pet
Sorry folks, but there's no such animal as a truly hypoallergenic pet. (Beyond a snake or lizard.) While some breeds are said to be less allergy inducing than others, experts say any furry animal can cause symptoms in susceptible individuals. Even hairless cats and dogs are allergenic; it's not the fur that makes people sneeze, but flakes of skin called dander and proteins found in the animals' saliva and urine.