Your vacation has finally arrived! Vacations provide an opportunity to “get away from it all.” Unfortunately, though, you cannot take a vacation from your allergies . And a vacation can actually trigger an allergy attack because it often brings a change in climate, foliage, and accommodations. While you cannot allergy-proof your vacation, you can take steps to minimize the effects allergies might have on your vacation.
Some research regarding where and when you take your vacation is important for selecting a time and place that will not exacerbate your allergies. For example:
If you are taking a road trip in your car, following these simple steps can make your car allergy-friendly.
Use the following tips when you travel by plane.
Dust mites and molds can live in the carpet, bedding, and upholstered furniture in a hotel room. However, there are some things you can do to decrease your chances of having these irritants in your room.
Once you have arrived and checked in to your hotel, it is still important to be vigilant about controlling your allergies. Try to have a flexible schedule—one that can accommodate your allergies. If you have Internet access, you might want to check the local pollen count. Work with your doctor to come up with an allergy plan for high pollen count days. Your plan might involve changes in medication, or even restricting outdoor activities. Instead, consider an indoor activity for the day, like touring an art museum or visiting a historical building. Ask the hotel’s concierge for some fun tourist attractions that are in areas that are pollen-free and allergy friendly. And remember to have fun—you are on vacation!
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI)
http://www.aaaai.org/
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
http://www.acaai.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Traveler's Health
http://www.cdc.gov/travel
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Weather Channel
http://www.weather.com
Travel Medicine Program, Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/index.html
References:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) website. Available at: http://www.aaaai.org/.
Segan S. Frommer's Fly Safe, Fly Smart: The Insider's Guide to a Hassle-Free Flight. Wiley Publishers; 2002.
Terreehorst I. Evaluation of impermeable covers for bedding in patients with allergic rhinitis. NEJM. 2003:349:237-246.
Last reviewed November 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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