Is it just the flu, or is it a winter allergy? With the symptoms of both flu and winter allergies, it can be difficult to decipher which one you truly have. The best way to find out whether you have an allergy is by completing an allergy test.
Throughout this article, we are going to share everything you need to know about winter allergies. From facts about allergies and winter allergies to how you can be tested for allergies and why this is so important. We hope all of our information will give you a full understanding of the world of allergies.
What Are Allergies?
An allergy is essentially your body’s way of reacting to something that it is allergic to. Your body’s way of fighting away the allergy. One of the most common symptoms of allergies is gaining a rash on your skin, which can sometimes become itchy. Other symptoms also include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, or irritated eyes.
When it comes to winter allergies, you will likely brush them off as being a common cold. This is due to the symptoms of a common cold or flu, and allergies being extremely similar. This is why, if you have reoccurring flu-like symptoms during the winter months, we highly recommend that you have an allergy test.
The most commonly known type of allergy is those with food such as peanuts. This one is highly tested around the world as it can cause life-threatening symptoms if not treated. Yet, another form of allergy is hay fever, this refers to being allergic to a type of pollen released from plants. This is highly common in the summer months, but it is important to know that you can still suffer from hay fever in the winter months.
Allergies occur during every season. They do not just stop when the warm months end as animals go into hibernation—especially hay fever, with this being highly focused upon pollen from plants. Different plants release their pollen during different times of the year, meaning you may suffer from this allergy during any season.
But What Are Winter Allergies?
There is a huge misconception that winter allergies are completely different from allergies altogether, but this is not the case. Winter allergies are still the same as any other allergy, and they are just ones that occur during the winter months. It is likely that if you are allergic to something during the winter season that you have brushed it off as the general flu due to the symptoms being so similar. If you have reoccurring flu-like symptoms, you should consider being tested for winter allergies as this may solve all your problems.
The most common allergy within the winter season is hay fever. This is generally referred to as a summer allergy, but it is still widespread in the winter months. As mentioned before, different plants will release their pollen during the winter season, making it entirely possible to suffer from hay fever during this time of the year.
Shockingly, people do not always realize this, but allergies can differ depending on the place you live or where you are currently staying. This is of course, due to the plants within the local areas. You may not suffer in your home area, but you may find if you travel, the different plants could cause you to suffer from allergies.
The most common symptoms of winter allergies include coughing, sneezing, itchy skin, runny nose, and sore eyes. As these symptoms are similar to those you could suffer from if you have a common cold or flu, it is fairly easy to get them all confused.
If you decide to test yourself for these winter allergies, if the results come back that you are allergic, you may begin to see a change in your health from the first day. As allergies can be treated and put under control with simple medication, you will find you begin to perk back up after a few days of starting the new medication.
How Can I Be Tested For Allergies?
There are many different types of tests that you can take to discover if you have allergies. These two popular choices work for all allergies, including winter allergies, seasonal allergies, and food allergies.
Allergy Blood Test:
One of the more common ways you can be tested for allergies is through an allergy blood test. This consists of taking a small blood sample from you where it is sent off to be tested. This sample will be measuring the amount of leg that you have in your system. lgE are antibodies that are created by your body to fight off allergies, the more of these you have, the more likely you are to have an allergy to something you have recently been exposed to.
Unfortunately, allergy blood tests within America are not free of charge. If you do not have health insurance that covers these tests, you will be charged for them. The cost of this test can range from $200 to $1000.
Skin Test:
Another common test that can be conducted to test for allergies is a simple skin test. This involves you having an item placed on an area of your skin to see if there is a reaction. The reaction that will be looked for that is a sign of a reaction is your skin coming up in a rash and becoming itchy.
Why Are Allergy Tests Important?
If you think you may have any form of allergy, it is important that you get yourself tested. Getting yourself tested for allergies allows you to have an awareness of what is truly upsetting your body. It will also allow you to treat yourself for these allergies before any major complications occur from an untreated allergy.
