winters round the corner and everyone seems to be falling sick these days while its easy to shrug it off have you considered the possibility of winter allergies you might be allergic to pollen mites or molds which linger in dust during the winter months the biggest difference between a cold and an allergy is the duration a cold usually stays for 10 days whereas an allergy can continue for weeks or months today dr arpit jain consultant internal medicine at artemis health institute answers our top 6 questions about winter allergies and how to avoid themwhat allergies can one have in the cold winter months some common allergens during the winter months are mold dust dust mites pets cats dogs dander perfumeswhat are the symptoms for identifying winter allergies running nose sneezes and sniffles watery eyes itchy nose or throat persistent cough people with asthma can have wheezing chest congestion and breathing difficultieswhat are the treatments available for winter allergies for common nasal allergies antihistaminics drugs are used for persistent or very recurrent nasal allergies sometimes anti allergic or steroidscontaining nasal sprays are used those with asthma should use their inhalers as per their doctors advice and seek medical advice at the earliest in case of any troublehow can one prevent winter allergies keep the house dustfree as much as possible vacuum any carpets once or twice a week the curtains and shades must be free of dust no feather pillows avoid excessive humidity and dampness in the house as it lead to the growth of moulds smoking should be avoided keep animals outdoors if possible and bathe them once a weekhow are winter allergies different from flu or cold in the flu or cold other than symptoms mentioned above one can also have fever aches and pains these are generally not seen in allergic rhinitis common flu or cold symptoms usually get cured within a week allergic symptoms can last for weeks and may be longer depending upon exposure to the allergensread more personal health diet fitness stories on wwwhealthmeupcom