Holiday gatherings are in full swing! If you’re preparing to host a large party this year for New Year’s Eve, don’t neglect allergy precautions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 20% of American adults have some type of allergy; chances are, someone on your guest list has an allergy to something. We’ve compiled some tips to keep in mind as you plan the menu and activity lineup so you can host a joyous, allergy-safe party.
Common Household Allergens
An allergen is a type of irritant that, while typically harmless, is known to cause allergy symptoms. The most common allergens are pollen, pet dander, dust and mold. In the cold winter months, there’s less of a danger of pollen, and the indoor allergens take center stage.
This means that the factors you want to be most aware of while preparing your home for hosting are pet dander, dust and mold. Other airborne irritants to consider are fragrances, chemicals and cigarette smoke. These are also known to cause allergic reactions.
Talk To Your Guests
It’s a good idea to check in with your guests before they come over about potential allergies. Don’t just ask about food allergies! If your guests are allergic to pets and you have a cat or a dog, you need to know that information.
House Prep
Here are some cleaning and preparation tips for the common indoor allergens to make your home allergy-safe.
- Make a pet plan. Either board your pet or keep them in a closed-off area of the house where guests won’t go. Ensure they have enough room and access to their basic needs.
- Vacuum the furniture. This is especially important for upholstered furniture. Pet dander and dust can easily cling to the fibers of furniture upholstery and settle deep into the cushions, so use a powerful vacuum to clean that out.
- Wash your party clothes on a sanitization setting (if possible). Pet dander is small and has ragged sides, so it can cling to things like clothing with the stubbornness of a mule. Give the clothes you and your family will wear to the party an extra run through the washing machine to remove any lingering dander.
- Dust high to low. Dusters aren’t perfect. While they collect a good amount of dust, they also send dust flying through the air. Combat this effect by starting high and working your way downward so you can collect the dust that flew away after it settles somewhere else.
- Use a damp cloth. If you are dusting with a cloth instead of a duster, moisten it slightly so dust sticks to it better. We particularly recommend using a microfiber washcloth.
- Wipe down the seasonal decorations. Spending a year in storage gives dust plenty of time to settle on those decorations. Give them an extra wipe-down.
- Check for mold. Mold can grow in any damp area, so check the more humid areas of the house (e.g., the bathroom, laundry room, basement, around houseplants and pipes) for mold. Use a dehumidifier and consult the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guide for cleaning up mold.
- Avoid strong fragrances. Cleaning supplies and room fragrances, like candles, may irritate some with allergies. Use these with caution or use natural, fragrance-free cleaning supplies instead.
- Have allergy meds handy. Over-the-counter options like antihistamines, decongestants, mild pain relievers and anti-itch cream are great for quick relief if someone starts showing allergy symptoms. Your guest will thank you for thinking ahead.
We at Albany ENT & Allergy Services want you to have a festive, happy, successful New Year’s party. Call us if you have any more questions on allergy prep and allergens.