Northwestern Medicine - Empower Wellness

Allergy Treatments Explained The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends three stages of allergy treatment: • Avoidance. Once you know the cause of your allergy symptoms, reduce your exposure. Filters, regular washing of sheets, and other environmental controls can greatly improve your allergy symptoms. • Medication. If allergen avoidance is difficult or not enough to reduce symptoms, allergy medication lowers your body's response to allergens in the environment. Your provider may recommend an over- the-counter or prescription medication. • Immunotherapy. Also referred to as allergy shots, this treatment helps create a natural resistance to allergens. By exposing the body to small amounts of the allergen over time and gradually increasing the exposure, your body eventually becomes immune to the allergens. EARLY OCTOBER TO late March is prime time for new cases of influenza or the flu, a respiratory illness caused by a virus. One of the best ways to avoid the flu is to be vaccinated annually. "The CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] recommends the flu shot for pretty much anyone in the population older than six months," says David Wester, certified physician assistant at KishHealth System Physician Group, Waterman. "Most people miss work or daily activities for a full week after getting the flu—besides its serious health impact, the flu really slows you down." Nasal spray vaccines are available for patients between ages two and 49 who want to avoid needles. Regular hand-washing is also crucial for preventing the flu. IS IT THE FLU? Flu season coincides with cold season and the onset of seasonal allergies. The conditions share symptoms such as fever and chills, cough, sore throat, and muscle and body aches. A key distinction is how quickly symptoms appear. "The flu hits hard and fast," says Wester. "One hour patients are fine, and the next they have a fever, severe aches, and fatigue. Colds typically have a gradual onset of head congestion and sore throat, and they may or may not present with a fever." Seasonal allergies, usually signaled by a runny nose and sneezing, often occur at the same time of year. Keep track of allergens in your area so you know your possible triggers and when to expect symptoms. "Prepare for allergies before the allergen is present in the environment," says Wester. "Don't wait until symptoms appear to start an allergen regimen." Flu shots are offered at all KishHealth System Physician Group locations. For information, visit kpgcares.com. VACCINE MYTHS Immunizations protect people from severe and potentially deadly illnesses. David Wester, certified physician assistant with KishHealth Physician Group, Waterman, says, "Vaccines are completely safe for most people. If you have questions about anything you've heard otherwise, ask your provider to explain the facts. Eradicating major diseases throughout the world is the end goal of vaccines." ⁄ FAL L 1 4 11

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