‘Home fever’ is the new hay fever

Allergy UK predicts at least 12 million people(i) are allergic to their own home. An out of season hay fever, dubbed as ‘home fever’, (Perennial Allergic Rhinitis) by Allergy UK is on the increase with more and more sufferers coming forward.

Research by Allergy UK found 58%⁽ⁱⁱ⁾ of allergy sufferers react to house dust mites. Closing doors and windows and turning the heating up creates a breeding ground for these microscopic creatures.

But it’s not just dust that causes problems; 31% of sufferers are allergic to mould, and 45% of sufferers say their allergy is triggered by pets. On top of that the chemicals in cleaning products cause a reaction in over 30% of sufferers.

With the most common symptoms of an indoor allergy or ‘home fever’ being a runny nose and sneezing, people all too often confuse allergy symptoms with a common cold or flu and therefore, don’t treat the cause of the problem.

Indoor Allergy Week runs from 14th- 20th November and is designed to raise awareness of indoor allergies caused by house dust mites, moulds and pets, as well as chemical sensitivity. The charity will be providing help and support throughout the week for the millions of sufferers in the UK.

The research by Allergy UK revealed that people aren’t doing enough to reduce the house dust mite allergen. The amount of sufferers is set to worsen if the nation doesn’t take action.

59% of indoor allergy sufferers said their symptoms are worse in the bedroom. Not surprising when you consider the average bed harbours two million house dust mites and the average pillow doubles in weight over a period of six months due to dust mite faeces.

While there is no ‘cure’ for ‘home fever’, Lindsey McManus from Allergy UK recommends these top tips to manage symptoms and reduce the amount of indoor allergens in the home

• Dust regularly but use a damp duster first, then a dry cloth. Otherwise, you are just moving the dust around
• Wash bedding once a week at 60°C or higher to remove house dust mites. Allergy UK’s research revealed 16% of people wash bed linen every three weeks or less. And with 58% washing bedding at 30 or 40 degrees, house dust mites are set to stay
• Regularly steam clean carpets and curtains
• Use allergen-proof barrier covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows
• Replace your mattress every 8-10 years. The research found 13% have had their current mattress for 11 years or more, where as 3% have kept theirs for 20 years
• Buy new pillows every year – don’t wait five years or more like the 25% of allergy sufferers out there
• Use an air purifier to help remove and reduce allergens such as pollen, house dust mite debris and mould spores
• Buy products that have been tested to ensure they prevent the escape of the house dust mite allergen. Look for the Allergy UK Seal of Approval™
• If you think you might be suffering from an indoor allergy, call Allergy UK’s helpline on 01322 619898 to speak to a trained allergy advisor

⁽ⁱ⁾ Based on 58% of allergy sufferers reacting to house dust mite and there being 21 million allergy sufferers in the UK according to Mintel Report Allergies and Allergy Remedies, Market Intelligence, February 2010

⁽ⁱⁱ⁾ Research conducted by Allergy UK, October 2011. Base sample of 1,610 allergy sufferers

(Source: Allergy UK)