A/Cs are known to dry out the air. Although you might think the lack of humidity is desirable, given how we don’t like to get all sticky in Sahel and all, it is actually not. Your body and respiratory system need a certain percentage of humidity in the air to function properly; but not too much humidity though, it needs to be kept at about 40%. Dry air will give you sores and clog your sinus, so make sure you invest in an air humidifier and use it when you turn your a/c on, especially at night where you would spend eight hours in dry air. We recommend Blu air humidifiers and purifiers, available at Radio Shack for LE 400.

4. Install filters: Cover your a/c vents with cheesecloth, which will help filter pollen.

5. Bathe your dog: Pet allergies happen throughout the year, but if you’re staying in the same room as your pet with no fresh air coming in, your allergies are bound to get worse. Make sure you bathe your dog or cat at least once a week, even if they’re clean as China, they do need the bath to prevent your allergies.

6. Avoid carpets in the bedroom: It isn’t all that bad not to have carpets in the bedroom, no matter how ‘naked’ your mother will tell you the floors look. Carpeting in general can foster allergy-causing elements, but it is especially true in the bedroom where you spend eight hours in a closed room with no fresh air. So either avoid carpets altogether or opt for machine-washable ones that you can wash on weekly basis. Similarly, change your sheets every week.

7. Get some fresh air: This is a crucial one, your body needs a fresh flow or air, even if it’s painfully hot outside. If you can, step out of your office every couple of hours to get some fresh air for even five minutes. You can even stick your head outside the window for a while, it will definitely make you feel better. At home, make sure you air the house early in the morning and late at night when it’s not too hot. Make it a point to turn off the a/c even for an hour each evening and open the windows to get a bit of fresh air.