The best way to prevent allergies is to control them before your body has a chance to react adversely to the allergic substance. Consider the following precautions for specific allergens: Pollen The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) recommends starting medications before a seasonal allergy attack. For example, if you are allergic to tree, grass or pollen in the spring or fall, you can start using antihistamines before allergies occur. Try to stay indoors during peak pollen season, shower immediately after going outside, close windows during allergy season, avoid drying laundry outside, wear a mask when outdoors, and avoid cleaning leaves and mowing the lawn. Dust mites To reduce dust mite exposure, you can take appropriate measures to minimize dust mites indoors. For example, use a wet mop to mop floors instead of sweeping them; avoid carpets and upholstered furniture as much as possible. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Wipe down frequently to keep furniture walls clean, and wash your bedding in hot water weekly. Use allergen-proof pillows, bedding, etc. to reduce exposure to dust mites while sleeping. Indoor humidity should be kept below 50 percent. Pet dander Ideally, you need to avoid contact with any animal that you are allergic to. If this is not possible, make sure you clean all surfaces that your pet touches frequently. Wash your hands immediately after touching your pet and make sure your pet is not in bed. You will also need to do your laundry after visiting a house with pets. Bathe your pet at least twice a week to minimize dander Tobacco smoke It is very important that you do not expose your child to tobacco smoke before or after birth. Smoking during pregnancy increases the chances of allergies in your child. Exposure of children to secondhand smoke has also been shown to increase the development of asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases.