Allergy Care During COVID-19

About 10% of the U.S. suffers from allergies, accounting for over 1 million office visits every year. Some offices may be closed right now, but you can still get the allergy care you need through Community Health Network.

“Thankfully, most allergy symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter remedies,” assures Samuel Harmon, MD, specialist with Community Physician Network Ear Nose & Throat Care. “Antihistamines and decongestants can help relax your runny nose, itchiness and congestion. Nasal sprays and Neti pots can also flush out your nostrils and sinuses to provide relief.”

Connect to a Caregiver

If you’ve been seeing a caregiver for your allergies, you should call their office directly. They’ll be able to connect you to the care you need — whether it’s a quick chat over the phone or arranging for a prescription.

If you don’t have a specific provider but still need care, you have options. You can use Community Virtual Care on your phone, computer or tablet to have an on-demand virtual visit with a provider. You can also call Community Physician Network, Ear, Nose & Throat Care at 317-621-6673 (NOSE).

Find Relief

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Many COVID-19 symptoms overlap with common allergy symptoms. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, chances are these symptoms are just that: signs that it’s that time of year again.

• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fatigue

If you have any serious concerns about your symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your primary care provider or allergy specialist. Together you can talk through what you’re feeling and make a plan to get the care you need.

What You Can Do at Home

You can make simple decisions every day to keep pollen out of your home.

• Keep the windows closed — We’ve had some beautiful warm-weather days lately, and the temptation to open up the windows is strong. But by doing so, you risk letting pollen into your living space.
• Wear a mask outside — You’re probably already wearing a mask when you go into public right now. It’s a great idea to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and it can even protect you from allergens. Just remember to wash your mask after every use!
• Designate outside clothes — Just like your mask, you might want to wear a specific set of clothes outdoors when the pollen count is very high. Toss them right into the hamper or into the wash as soon as you get home.
• Shower at night — The last place you want to feel allergy symptoms is in bed. Take a quick shower before you turn in for the night to wash pollen off your skin.
• Be smart with disinfectant spray — Spraying down your home can definitely get rid of pollen… but the spray itself can irritate your nose, too. Try not to breathe too much of it in, or have another family member do the disinfecting.

If you have any questions about getting care during COVID-19, Community has answers. Head over to our COVID-19 FAQ to see how we’re still providing exceptional care.