Working in the allergy and immunology field, I hear all sorts of “facts” that turn out to not be so factual. As we are in the midst of fall allergy season, I thought it worthwhile to share some facts that you can rely upon – as well as some myths that you cannot.
If you have an allergy to eggs, you should not get a flu shot.
Myth. The idea that you should avoid the flu shot comes from the fact that most flu vaccines are manufactured using egg-based technology and include a small amount of egg proteins. The CDC recommends that anyone aged six months and older with an egg allergy should receive an annual flu vaccine.
Spring allergies are worse than fall allergies.
Not necessarily. Though spring is the season that comes to mind when it comes to allergies, many patients report worse symptoms in the fall. Ragweed is a significant fall allergen that begins pollinating in mid-August. Ragweed and other weed pollens are in the air until there’s been a significant frost, which may be anywhere between October and December.
Simply shutting your windows can be effective against seasonal allergies.
True. With pollen allergies, whether it's spring or fall, keeping your windows closed, showering at the end of the day, and using air purifiers can certainly help. If you're very symptomatic, taking a daily allergy medicine during the season can be very helpful.
Once you’re allergic to a food, you’re allergic to it for life.
Myth. Many children outgrow allergies to foods like milk and eggs, and regular evaluation is always a good idea. I typically retest yearly, but longer or shorter intervals may be appropriate in some cases. Allergies to foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, fish or shellfish tend to persist later in life, and testing can be performed with skin pricks or bloodwork.
Some pets are truly hypoallergenic.
Myth. People can spend large amounts of money to get what are marketed as hypoallergenic dogs and cats. But the term “hypoallergenic” is not completely accurate. Pet allergies are caused by proteins in a pet's dander (dead skin flakes), saliva, urine and sebaceous (oil) secretions. While some dog and cat breeds are promoted as being hypoallergenic because they shed less or have different coat types, no breed is truly allergen-free.
Rinsing your nasal passages with saline can help clean them out and reduce allergy symptoms.
True! Saline washes clear out built-up mucus, irritants, and allergens from your nasal passages, and can improve your quality of life. I often observe that patients with postnasal drip as their predominant symptom find saline washes to be more helpful than medications. It is important to use distilled water or water that has been boiled then cooled, and you should periodically clean the irrigation device.
There are of course many other questions about developing, and perhaps more importantly, dealing with allergies. If you and/or a family member have been suffering from the effects of an allergy, consider speaking with a professional allergist/immunologist. They will be able to suggest the best options for you.
Dr. Eun Soo Kwak-Peacock is an allergist at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates in Pleasantville. To make an appointment, call 914-769-7300.