Seasonal allergies don’t just happen in the spring! Making sure you get proper treatment is always a smart idea! When you think of the winter season, getting the flu shot might be at the top of your mind; but it isn’t the only shot you’ll want to schedule. Now is always a good time to take care of your health and have a plan for allergy relief solutions.
The end of the year also means that you’ll want to get the most out of your health insurance or flexible spending account. Many health insurance policies are tied to the calendar year, which means you’ll need to use up your deductible before Jan. 1. That’s why you’ll want to take advantage of your health benefits now, so you don’t lose them. If you’re unsure if you’ve met your deductible or what is covered by your insurance, we can speak directly with your insurance provider and confirm what is covered.
At the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, we care about your experience as you enter our office and after you leave. If you have any questions, call us today at (770) 459-0620 for more information.
How Do Deductibles Work?
A deductible is an amount of money you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance activates and covers the balance. It varies on the type of medical service and insurance provider. You’ll want to carefully review your plan, especially the Explanation of Benefits (EOB), or call your insurance company to check what your deductible is.
Since most insurance plans expire at the end of December and do not roll over into the next year, you will have to pay your deductibles again starting January 1. You may have met your deductible early in the year but even if you haven’t, November or December isn’t too late to put your insurance benefits to good use! Making the most of your coverage is a smart financial move and getting timely medical care helps you minimize future complications, which might mean more expensive bills later.
Allergies: Symptoms and Triggers
Common Allergy Symptoms
Our allergists understand that many allergy symptoms can be similar to certain COVID-19 symptoms. This is why it is important to seek medical advice when you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Clogged nose
- Difficult breathing
- Sore throat and/or coughing
- Low-grade fever
- Throat, ears, or eyes itching
In the case of severe allergies, you may also deal with asthma-related signs like chest tightness, wheezing, rapid breathing, and exhaustion. If necessary, we can help you with allergy testing before providing you with the appropriate treatment. Our board-certified allergists will use skin testing to discover which allergies are the issue.
What Usually Triggers Allergies?
Even if you do your best to keep a clean home, it’s still full of allergy-causing substances. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have been spending more time at home, whether for lockdown, homeschooling, or remote work. This may have triggered your allergies more than in the previous years.
Common household allergies include:
- Mold: You can generally find this fungus in damp and humid areas like bathrooms and basements.
- Dust mites: These tiny bugs love humidity, as well as mattresses and bedding.
- Animals: our beloved companions’ fur isn’t very allergy-inducing, but a protein found in their dander, saliva, and urine is the culprit.
Another common allergy is hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, which is a respiratory reaction to pollen grains and other substances. This issue may be seasonal, during the pollination period of certain plants, or year-long.
Georgia’s location between the Gulf and the Atlantic creates a lovely climate. Still, the weather and the humidity can be a challenge for those who experience allergies. If you live in Atlanta, the Center for Allergy and Asthma is right here to help you get the proper allergy treatments thanks to our ten locations!
We can help you with allergy shots (immunotherapy) and allergy drops to improve your health. We will also schedule follow-up visits to help to manage your condition in the future.
Why You Don’t Want to Forget Your Allergy Shots
Now is the right time to maximize your health benefits and put your deductibles to good use, especially if you have recently stopped getting allergy shots because of COVID-19. It is important to get your allergy shots during the colder seasons. There is no reason to let allergies disrupt your day-to-day life when there are reliable solutions; and by seeking treatment now, you will be in a better position when next year's allergies come around.
Allergy shots can be 80-90% effective and are especially useful in the case of severe and/or chronic allergies. The shots expose you to very small amounts of your allergens to build up your body’s immunity to them. This helps reduce symptoms over several years, including sinus infections and asthma problems.
If you want to take control of your allergies, call our clinic today at (770) 459-0620 or use our contact form to book an appointment.