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Myth: Allergy drops don't work as well as allergy shots.
Much like any great medical debate, you might be wary to trust certain medicines and prescriptions when you — and your family — have been using the same ol' go-to for generations. Slaughter says many folks are under the impression that allergy drops aren't as effective as shots, but this less-invasive approach actually packs the same punch. "Well-formulated allergy drops made by the doctor's office are the best way to block your spring allergies because they are made based on skin testing. When taken daily under the tongue, a patient's allergies are typically controlled within six months," he explains.
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Myth: You live in a city, so you don't have to worry about hay fever.
If you live in the mountains or in an area with lush trees and flowers, allergy season is an expected part of your year. But if you're a city dweller who doesn't venture to the great outdoors often, seasonal allergies might not be top of mind. Elliot says that pollen can travel up to 50 miles, so you're likely at risk for the sniffles no matter where you live. This is why it's important to understand — and be mindful of — your triggers so you can prepare for them. If you don't believe they'll happen, and they do, it's tougher to rid of them. "See an allergist to find out what you are allergic to and make sure you are on your medicines early — don't wait for symptoms! It's harder to treat allergies once they have already flared and some of the most effective allergy medicine can take up to seven days to reach their full effect," she notes.
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Myth: If you didn't have seasonal allergies as a child, you won't have them as an adult.
While George says it's a common belief that allergies are developed during childhood, that's not the case for all of them. "While the cause or causes of adult allergies still remains somewhat of a mystery, some experts believe genetics, exposure and environmental changes all act as factors," he notes. There's a slight silver lining, though: just as you may develop allergies as an adult, some people also outgrow allergies they once had as a kid.
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