How to Get Major Relief From Spring Allergies

Blowing a dandelion into the airWith spring flowers come…spring allergies! Spring is a lovely time of the year to get outside, shake out the winter cabin fever jitters and finally get some sunlight. However, if you’re one of the millions that suffer from spring allergies, this time of year can be a bittersweet mix of longing to get outside and fighting your spring allergy symptoms. But don’t give up! Here’s how to deal with allergies and take back your spring!

1. Be Prepared

Every year, spring returns and with it comes a barrage of pollen and other spring allergy triggers. You know it’s coming, so why not be prepared when spring allergies symptoms inevitably roll around? Many of the allergy-fighting medications take a couple of weeks to build up in your system before they become truly effective. Talk to your doctor to figure out what to take for allergies and mark your calendar ahead of time to prepare yourself for success when it comes to handling your allergy sniffles and sneezes. If you figure out what works for you early on, you can even stock up on your allergy meds online at stores like Walgreens or Rite Aid and get Cash Back at Ebates. Plus if you start early, you can keep an eye out for an allergy medication promo code throughout the year and score an awesome deal on the medicine you know you’ll need for spring.

Pill box marking the days of the week for prescription medication2. Commit to a Treatment Routine

Starting early on allergy meds is only the first piece of the puzzle when it comes to handling your spring allergy symptoms. Allergy treatments only work if you actually take them on a regular basis so figure out what you need to help remind you to take your allergy medication, whether that means a day-of-the-week pill box or an alarm on your phone. Make sure you follow the dosage directions on whatever medication you take to optimize its allergy-fighting benefits. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about what will provide the best relief for your symptoms.

3. Keep an Eye on the Pollen Count

Did you know that you can get the daily pollen count for your area online on weather websites? Sites like The Weather Channel post daily pollen levels for many areas and can help you determine just how bad the pollen situation is outside for your spring allergies. Armed with the pollen count, you can plan ahead to avoid the high pollen count days and take advantage of the sunny ones with low pollen for your spring adventures.

Cute girl in the park, sneezing, having spring allergies4. Know What to Bring When You Brave the Outdoors

Heading outdoors into the great big spring allergy-inducing world is not for the faint of heart during allergy season, but armed with the daily pollen count and a few other items, it can be as easy as a walk in the park. Having a pair of sunglasses on hand can help protect your eyes from both sun and pollen in the air and save you some allergy grief. Pack the tissues in case your nose starts to run and have an escape plan in case you need to take a time out from your pollen problems. Make sure you don’t forget emergency allergy relief, like nasal spray, and you’re ready to take on the great outdoors!

5. Make Your Home an Allergy-Free Zone

When the pollen count outside is high, having your home as an allergy-free sanctuary is essential to surviving the ill effects of spring allergies. Find a promo code for allergen reducing air filters at stores like Lowe’s, arm your house against the pollen that spring is sure to throw your way and even get Cash Back at Ebates! Avoid using fans that draw in outside air and instead stick to air conditioners that filter and recirculate inside air.

Spring Allergy-Fighting Essentials

 

 

The Survival Guide to Cold and Flu Season

coldfluheader

Nobody enjoys getting sick. While it may sound nice to take the day off and stay in your pajamas at home, when cold and flu symptoms are added in, you usually end up being just plain miserable. From stuffy noses to painful coughs, having the flu or a cold can end up keeping you from your daily routine longer than you want. We’ve got some tips to help you survive cold and flu season without having to live inside a bubble.

Get a Flu Shot

A flu and a cold are very different. More than 100 different viruses can cause a cold, where as only influenza virus types A, B and C cause the flu. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the flu strains health experts believe will be most widespread each season. Yes, you might have a sore arm for a day or two (massage the area gently before and after the shot to prevent soreness) or feel a bit achy the next day, but you can not catch the flu from the vaccine.

Wash Your Hands – A Lot

Wash your hands, over and over again. Wash your hands so much you start to get tired of doing it. Even if you aren’t in a job environment where you work closely with people, germs can stay on objects you touch regularly. Make sure when washing your hands to use soap and scrub hard for at least 20 seconds. Scrub between your fingers, the back of your hands and even under your fingernails.

Use Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

While the preferred method of getting rid of cold and flu germs is with soap and water, sometimes you can’t always have this on hand. A quick spritz of hand sanitizer is also essential for those who use public transit, where germs can collect in the close environment.

Clean Your Surroundings

Sanitize your surroundings. A cough or sneeze can send germs flying, so sanitize the objects you touch daily. Think of your keyboard, mouse, mousepad, cell phone, doorknobs, light switches, coffee mugs, etc. These can be germ hoarders and you don’t want that on your desk.

Sneeze Into Your Elbow

Sneezing or coughing into your sleeve is the best way to stop the spread of germs from a sneeze or cough when you do not have a tissue. When you sneeze into your hands, you risk touching your face or objects. It might seem hard to break the sneezing into your hand habit, but trust us, it’s worth it. You’re bettering your health and the health of those around you.

Sick in Bed with Thermometer

If you have fallen under the evil spell of a cold or flu, it’s good to be prepared. When you’re feeling achy in bed, the last thing you’ll want to do is head to the drugstore to get medicine and soup. Build a Cold and Flu Survival Kit filled with medicine, warm socks and all types of flu-killing products. We have a few suggestions on what to put in your kit with Cash Back at Ebates, but feel free to add whatever you like to kick that cold!

Stock up on all these cold and flu essentials at online pharmacy’s like Walgreens or Drugstore.com. If you need to buy for the whole family, get your items in bulk at discount stores like Kmart or Walmart. Don’t forget to use Ebates to get Cash Back on all your online purchases and stay healthy this winter!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.