Allergies are a common and often disruptive part of many people’s lives, whether they’re triggered by pollen, pet dander, food, or dust mites. With allergy seasons seeming to grow longer and more intense in many regions due to climate change and other factors, managing allergies has become more critical than ever. However, beyond the familiar advice of taking antihistamines or avoiding known allergens, experts have identified new and effective strategies for allergy prevention that are worth considering this year. From changes in daily habits to the latest medical treatments, here’s what experts are recommending for allergy prevention in 2025.
1. Embrace Allergen Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, often referred to as allergy shots, has long been a trusted treatment for seasonal allergies. However, in recent years, new forms of immunotherapy have emerged that offer additional options for people with more stubborn allergies. Experts now emphasize that allergen immunotherapy should be considered earlier in the allergy season, or even as a long-term preventive measure, to reduce sensitivity and minimize symptoms.
How it works: Immunotherapy involves gradually introducing small amounts of the allergen to the body, either through regular injections (allergy shots) or sublingual tablets that dissolve under the tongue. This process helps the immune system adjust and reduce its exaggerated response to allergens over time, which can lead to long-term relief—even after the treatment stops.
Why try it this year: Immunotherapy has evolved significantly, with sublingual tablets becoming an effective option for certain types of allergies, particularly pollen and dust mites. These tablets are easier to use than traditional shots, and experts recommend starting them several months before allergy season for maximum effect.
2. Keep Indoor Air Clean with HEPA Filters
With many people spending more time indoors due to work, school, and other factors, maintaining clean indoor air has become a crucial part of allergy prevention. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) advises that homeowners invest in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for both their heating and cooling systems as well as for air purifiers.
How it works: HEPA filters trap airborne particles, such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, preventing them from circulating through the air. This can significantly reduce the allergens that trigger symptoms inside the home.
Why try it this year: Airborne allergens can make a home’s indoor environment just as problematic as the outdoor one. Since allergens like pollen can remain in the air for months, it’s crucial to address indoor air quality year-round. Experts recommend regularly changing HEPA filters and ensuring that air purifiers are used in the most frequented rooms of the house, like bedrooms and living rooms.
3. Adopt a “Clean Home” Lifestyle
Maintaining a clean home is another essential strategy for allergy prevention, but it’s not just about vacuuming regularly or dusting surfaces. Experts recommend a comprehensive approach that targets allergens that commonly accumulate in the home environment.
How it works: Allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander are more persistent than many people realize. Experts suggest regularly washing bed linens, pillowcases, and stuffed animals in hot water, as well as cleaning floors with a damp cloth to reduce the buildup of dust. In addition, keeping humidity levels low (under 50%) using a dehumidifier can help prevent mold growth, which is a major allergen in damp climates.
Why try it this year: With the rise of airborne allergens due to global warming and other environmental factors, even the cleanest homes can be home to allergens that persist year-round. By adopting a “clean home” lifestyle, you ensure that you’re minimizing the exposure to indoor allergens that trigger reactions, while also promoting overall better health.
4. Modify Your Diet to Reduce Allergy Symptoms
A lesser-known but increasingly recognized method for preventing allergies involves modifying your diet to support immune health. According to a growing body of research, certain foods can either exacerbate or help mitigate allergy symptoms.
How it works: Certain foods contain natural compounds that help reduce inflammation and promote overall immune system health. For instance, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds, have been linked to reduced allergic reactions. Antioxidant-rich foods, like berries and leafy greens, help to reduce inflammation in the body, potentially minimizing the severity of allergic responses.
Why try it this year: As experts continue to study the gut-immune system connection, they are discovering that the microbiome plays a crucial role in how the immune system responds to allergens. A diet rich in prebiotics and probiotics (found in foods like yogurt, kefir, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables) can promote gut health, potentially reducing allergy flare-ups.
5. Take Preventive Medications Early
While most people wait until allergy symptoms appear before reaching for antihistamines or nasal sprays, experts suggest that taking these medications proactively can be far more effective.
How it works: Preventive allergy medications, such as nasal steroids or antihistamines, work by calming the body’s immune response to allergens before they trigger symptoms. Starting these medications a few weeks before the allergy season begins can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms.
Why try it this year: Given the unpredictability of allergy seasons, which may start earlier or last longer due to changing environmental factors, experts now recommend beginning allergy medication well in advance. For example, if you suffer from seasonal pollen allergies, it’s advisable to start taking your medication in early spring, even before the pollen count peaks.
6. Minimize Outdoor Exposure During Peak Allergy Times
One of the simplest, yet most effective, ways to prevent allergies is by limiting exposure to allergens—especially during peak allergy seasons. Experts advise paying attention to local pollen forecasts, which can help guide when it’s best to stay indoors.
How it works: Many allergens, particularly pollen, are most concentrated early in the morning and during windy days. By staying indoors during these times, or at least limiting outdoor activities, you reduce your exposure to these allergens.
Why try it this year: With pollen levels reaching new heights in many areas, experts recommend keeping windows closed and using air conditioning to filter out allergens when temperatures rise. Additionally, changing clothes after being outdoors and showering to rinse off pollen can significantly reduce the amount of allergens you carry indoors.
7. Consider Prophylactic Allergy Treatments
A more experimental but promising approach involves prophylactic allergy treatments—preemptive measures that involve treating the body to reduce its sensitivity to allergens before they become a problem. This year, many allergists are recommending treatments like oral antihistamine desensitization, which gradually introduces allergens into the body to “train” the immune system to tolerate them.
How it works: This treatment involves administering small doses of allergens over time to help the body build up resistance. It’s similar to immunotherapy but can be done at home with close medical supervision.
Why try it this year: This option is best for people who have specific, predictable allergic reactions to known triggers like pollen or certain foods. Although still relatively new, this technique may become more widely available in the coming years, offering an effective solution for long-term allergy prevention.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Approach to Allergy Prevention
The field of allergy prevention has evolved considerably, with experts recommending a more holistic approach to managing allergic reactions. From early immunotherapy treatments to practical daily habits like maintaining clean indoor air and modifying your diet, there are many strategies to incorporate into your allergy prevention routine this year. By being proactive about managing allergens, whether indoors or outdoors, and consulting with healthcare providers for preventive treatments, you can help minimize the impact of allergies on your life and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable year ahead.