Tackling Spring Allergies With Help From CVS #SneezeFreeSpring @MinuteClinic

Disclosure: I have received promotional consideration from MinuteClinic.

It’s that time of the year again when my eyes start itching and watering, my nose starts running and I start feeling like a zombie.  Every year I always think its a cold and then I realize what time of the year it is, its allergy season time.

Did you know that 35 million Americans suffer from allergies and don’t even know it? Many people, like me, think it is just a cold that will pass but a cold should only last 7-10 days. A cold and allergies have similar symptoms but the main difference is a cold is caused by a viral infection while allergy symptoms are caused by the body’s own immune system’s attempt to fight off an allergen.

Allergies Vs. Colds

• Sniffling and coughing at the same time every year probably means allergies.

• A cough, aches or pains probably means its a cold as those are not typical symptoms of allergies.

• Itchy eyes are a common allergy symptom but rarely occur with a common cold.

• A fever is sometimes present with a cold but will never occur with allergies.

What are some ways to treat allergies?

• Nasal saline, decongestants and over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines

• Talk to nurse practitioners or physicians assistants from the CVS MinuteClinic. They can recommend the right over-the-counter medications and write prescriptions when medically appropriate.

• Try to avoid the allergen if possible.

• Wash your sheets every two weeks to clear out any allergens left behind.

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen.

• Avoid window fans that could bring in unwanted pollens or mold spores. I actually use air conditioning whenever I can because as much as I love fresh air, I hate pollen attacks.

Allergies can happen at any age and can really hit hard. My seasonal allergies came on for the first time when I was in college and I remember being clueless about what to do. Back then CVS MinuteClinic’s weren’t around nor was the Internet (well it was but not like it is today) so I had to rely on friends and family for suggestions. I eventually went and saw a doctor and was prescribed allergy pills. I wish though CVS MinuteClinic was around back then as it would have been so much easier then heading home from college when I could finally get an appointment with my doctor and then picking up medicine.

CVS MinuteClinic allows users to walk-in or make an appointment and then get a prescription or over-the-counter product right then and there. Quick and easy and a must for allergy relief.  I can suffer through a day or two but once the pollen count gets high enough I am miserable without medicine!

Check out your local CVS MinuteClinic or find a store in your area to shop for allergy relief.