Fall Allergies

Fall in Fresno!

Fall is a beautiful time of the year in Fresno- the temperatures cool down, fruit is abundant and it’s time for a new year at school!  We hope these tips will help you and your family enjoy Fall in Fresno to the fullest!

Fall is Back to School time!

Fresno, Clovis and Central Unified school districts started school in August. This year the state of California required 7^th-12^th graders to have proof of TDAP vaccination.  The TDAP vaccine lasts about 10 years.  Another important vaccine to consider is the Flu vaccine. The flu vaccine changes every year and it’s a good idea to check with your primary care physician about getting this year’s flu shot.

 When kids go back to school, they are bombarded with a variety of germs.  Sometimes a sniffle or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes and nose can be an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, mold or some other allergen.  Other times it can be the first sign of a cold.  If the child has a fever, they may also be getting  a flu.  The best protection against either allergies or the cold is to remind your kids to wash their hands often (they don’t always have to use anti-bacterial soap though), avoid touching/rubbing their eyes and cough in their sleeves!  If your child shows signs of trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, you may want to make an appointment with your primary care physician to screen for asthma.  Increased pollen counts, chalk dust, mold in schools may be potential allergens that can lead to asthma as well.

If your child has food allergies, going back to school is an important time to remind your child to be extra careful about sharing food that may contain items they are allergic too. It’s a good idea to update the school with a list of food allergies your child may have or provide them with such list if you haven’t already.

Air Quality in Fresno and the Central Valley

In general, the air quality around Fresno and the Central Valley does tend to improve in the Fall.  However, if you live near a farm, remember the fall is when many crops are dusted with pesticide (such as cotton crops).

Tips on easing Fall Allergies

• Pollen is at its peak between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website at www.aaaai.org to see what the pollen count is in your area;
• Avoid food allergies by packing your child’s lunch (it’s a healthier option too); inform the school about potential food allergies and check to see if they have Epi-Pens available;
• Before you turn on the heater (if you need to this Fall/Winter)- get your heat ducks cleaned of trapped mold and other allergens;
• Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter if you aren’t already with your heating system. 

With a little precautions, you and your family can have a fun, fulfilling Fall in Fresno!

For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (facebook.com/avecinia) and follow avecinia on twitter (twitter.com/avecinia4health). avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, weight management, acupuncture, aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more) and massage therapy for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and patient web portal to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit www.avecinia.com. If you are looking for a primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. Unaiza Hayat and/or Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!