HOUSTON – Flu A has been high for weeks and a nurse practitioner from the CVS Minute Clinic in Humble, Serena Lopez, said flu and allergies are always bad this time of year.
“I think actually Flu B just starting, we’re going to have a little bit of a wave before it starts to come down,” Lopez said. “So, usually, we’ll see that for about two weeks and then it’ll start to slow down...then of course our allergies hit!”
People who struggle with tree pollen allergies will feel symptoms this week. Tree pollen is high due to high winds this week.
“Your Benadryl, your Claritin which is your loratadine, and your diphenhydramine,” Lopez said. “Those medications block that histamine, that chemical that your body creates as an overreaction to any allergen like that pollen or that dust. That medication calms things down and with that being said, usually it will control your nasal congestion or your runny nose or watery eyes, your sneezing.”
Some antihistamines have side effects such as drowsiness. Look for 24-hour-acting antihistamines, as they generally do not cause drowsiness.
For immediate relief from congestion, Lopez recommends nasal spray decongestants. However, she said, nasal spray decongestants are not safe for those who have high blood pressure or heart disease.
What is safe for somebody who has high blood pressure?
“They can use some of the nasal saline options just to rinse out of their nose, as well as some of the glucose corticosteroids, which would be your allergy nasal spray here, your fluticasone, and that can help with nasal congestion as well as well as that nasal drip,” Lopez said.
It’s best to plan ahead to take antihistamines before you encounter your allergens. If you don’t know what you’re allergic to, you can get a blood test to identify your sensitivities.
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CVS Minute Clinic can test for 25 different allergens such as dust mites, pollen, oak, ragweed, mold, dogs, cats, and horses.
However, feeling achy with a fever, that’s when you know you’re really sick and it could be something more serious. This year there are at-home flu tests available to know if it’s flu without leaving your house.
