Why winter can be worse
There is almost no pollen in Ireland from October to January. But we spend more time indoors with the windows closed and the heating on, and Irish homes are often damp. That suits the three most common indoor allergens: dust mites, mould and pets.
If your symptoms are worst first thing in the morning, or ease when you are away from home, something indoors is the likely cause.
Dust mites
Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in mattresses, pillows, duvets, carpets and soft toys. They thrive in warm, humid rooms. Their droppings are what people react to.
- Wash sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers at 60°C every week.
- Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses, pillows and duvets.
- Vacuum carpets and soft furniture often, with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter.
- Keep the bedroom simple: fewer cushions, rugs and soft toys.
- Put soft toys in a bag in the freezer for a day now and then, then wash them.
Mould
Mould grows where condensation sits: window frames, bathroom ceilings, behind wardrobes on outside walls. Its spores float in the air and can trigger sneezing, a blocked nose and asthma.
- Open bedroom windows for ten minutes each morning, or keep trickle vents open.
- Dry clothes outside or in a vented dryer, not on radiators.
- Use the extractor fan when cooking and showering, and keep doors closed.
- Wipe condensation off windows each morning.
- Heat rooms steadily at a lower temperature rather than in short bursts.
- Clean small patches of mould promptly. For large patches or ongoing damp, get advice.
Pets
People react to proteins in pet skin flakes, saliva and urine, not the fur itself. They stick to clothes and furniture and stay in the air for a long time.
- Keep pets out of bedrooms.
- Wash pet bedding weekly.
- Wash your hands after stroking a pet.
When to see your GP
If symptoms carry on for weeks, disturb your sleep, or come with wheezing or a tight chest, see your GP. They can arrange allergy tests to find out exactly what you react to, which makes it much easier to deal with.
Questions
Can you get hay fever in winter?
Not from pollen. There is almost none in Ireland from October to January. Winter symptoms usually come from dust mites, mould or pets indoors.
Why do I sneeze more at Christmas?
Real Christmas trees can carry mould spores into the house, and decorations stored in attics gather dust. Shaking the tree outside and wiping decorations helps.
Does a dehumidifier help with allergies?
It can. Dust mites and mould both thrive in damp air. Keeping indoor humidity below about 50% makes life harder for both.
This is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about symptoms, talk to your pharmacist or GP.