Dr Bhavini Shah has warned Brits that their runny nose, sore throat, constant coughing and itchy eyes might not actually be due to a common cold, flu, or even Covid-19

You’re not the only one sniffling their way to Christmas this year. Every winter sees a surge in cold and flus, as more and more Brits flock inside to escape to cold, dreary weather. This create the perfect breeding ground for viruses to be passed on from person to person – resulting in a nation of runny noses and sore throats.

In a post lockdown world, it’s hard to differentiate between Covid 19, the flu, a common cold, and even illnesses like Norovirus. However, a GP has revealed that your pesky symptoms may not be any of the above, and could be all down to a new addition to the home…

Dr Bhavini Shah of Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor points out that a blocked or runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and coughing may be due to allergies, and not an air-borne illness. “An allergy, which is an immune response, occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance (allergen) as harmful,” the GP said in a statement sent to the Mirror. “The immune system then produces antibodies which fight the foreign cells by releasing chemical substances. It is these substances that trigger an allergic reaction.”

The biggest culprit of this could be our beloved Christmas trees, and not just those artificial ones that have been left to gather dust in the loft for the past year. Real trees, spanning from Norway spruce to Nordmann fir, can also lead to a whole host of nasty symptoms including sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and congestion. They may even trigger asthma flare-ups due to mould spores, pollen, or other allergens that may be present on the tree.

“If you do opt for a real [Christmas tree], you should shake down the tree to remove as much dust, mould, and pollen as possible before bringing it into the house,” Dr Bhavani urged. “Keeping it in the coolest part of the house will avoid any mould spores multiplying.”

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Your beloved baubles, tinsels, and fireplace decorations may also be making things worse. Since last Xmas, they will have inevitably built up a mix of dust mites, pollen particles and even mould spores (which isn’t very festive of them).

“When disturbed, such as when putting up the tree or decorating, these particles become airborne, potentially triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals,” Dr Bhavani added. “To avoid an allergic reaction from dusty decorations, wipe them down with a damp cloth before you decorate your home. You could also try storing them in airtight containers or vacuum bags when not in use.”

The GP also warned against lighting scented candles too if your allergies are acting up. These often contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and additives that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. “These chemicals can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or congestion,” Dr Bhhavani explained. “If you are particularly sensitive, it’s best to avoid candles or opt for unscented candles instead.”

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