Allergy season is upon us, and many of us are finding ourselves sneezing, coughing, and dealing with watery eyes in the workplace. If you suffer from allergies, managing them in the workplace can be a challenge. In fact, offices present some of the biggest symptom triggers of all, thanks to the thousands of dust, dirt, and debris particles that float through the air in these spaces. But it’s important to take steps to minimize your symptoms so that you can stay productive and healthy. Here are some tips for managing your allergy symptoms in the workplace.
Know Your Triggers
When looking to control your allergy flare-ups, the first step is to know what triggers them. Pollen, dust mites, mold, and other allergens can cause uncomfortable symptoms like congestion, itching eyes and throat, sneezing, and wheezing. As such, knowing what triggers your allergies is an important part of avoiding these materials at work. It also helps if you keep track of pollen counts or other environmental conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
Keep Your Work Area Clean
Keeping your immediate workspace clean is also an essential part of minimizing allergy symptoms while on the job. You should dust at least once a week, vacuum at least twice a week, and use an air purifier to reduce airborne allergens. You’ll also want to make sure you wipe down any surfaces (such as desks or keyboards) with cleaning products designed for allergy sufferers. These products will help reduce allergens without further irritating your skin or respiratory system. Finally, don’t forget to wash your hands when entering the office to reduce the risk of spreading allergens from door handles or other high-traffic areas around the office.
Ask for Full Office Cleanings
There’s more to reducing allergen exposure than just keeping your station clean, though. It might also be in your best interest to get the office professionally cleaned during allergy season. Professional cleaners have the tools and knowledge to effectively remove allergens from your workspace. They also know about some of the dirtiest places in office buildings, allowing them to target problems at their source. Professional cleanings are a great way to maintain a healthy environment for everyone in the office, not just those with allergies.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to prepare for emergencies when you regularly deal with seasonal allergies. This is the most important tip for managing your allergy symptoms in the office since some allergic reactions can be swift or dangerous, depending on the person. Keep antihistamines handy in case you start experiencing symptoms unexpectedly or have a severe reaction that requires medical attention.
There are many factors that contribute to allergy symptoms in the workplace. However, by taking the right precautions, you can keep your allergies under control even when surrounded by potential triggers all day long. Talk with your doctor about your concerns with managing your allergies so that you can work together to come up with an effective plan for dealing with symptoms throughout the year.
