Here are some important tips for allergy sufferers who are traveling this

season:

· Make sure to pack a bag with an adequate supply of medications,

including allergy medicine.

Ø If you're driving to visit family and friends for the holidays, carefully read labels on over the counter allergy medicines for precautions such as "marked drowsiness may occur" and "be careful when driving a motor vehicle," and heed those warnings. Choose a non-drowsy medicine like CLARITIN, which is not required to carry such a warning because it doesn't cause drowsiness.

Ø Hotel rooms can be breeding grounds for indoor allergens, which

can worsen your allergy symptoms. If you're going to stay in a hotel or motel on your trip, ask for a dry room with lots of exposure to sunlight, and away from indoor pools or wet saunas, especially if you're sensitive to molds.

If congestion associated with a cold threatens to dampen your holiday cheer, use a decongestant. CLARITIN-D offers powerful relief of nasal congestion and sinus pressure from colds as well as allergies.

For many allergy sufferers, returning home to prepare for Christmas will create new challenges. You may experience symptoms in your own house while decking the halls and putting up the tree - not from the greenery itself, but from mold spores and dust on decorations that have been in storage all year long.

To minimize contact with potential allergens while decorating your home and trimming the tree:

Ø Wash your hands after handling dusty ornaments and other holiday

decorations.

Ø When placing decorations back in storage, dust them first and then

store them in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids; avoid using cardboard boxes, which can let allergens get inside and build up.

Ø Store decorations in a dry place and off the floor to prevent mold.

By being prepared this holiday season you will be free to enjoy the holiday cheer with friends and family.

© 2005 HealthNewsDigest.com