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www.FredParent.NET 13 Sponsored Material Join us for the live conversation on Q: Are allergy shots something you get every year like a fl u shot? How do they work? Allergy shots (immunotherapy) have been used to treat individuals with severe allergies since 1911. Allergy shots are currently approved to treat patients with severe environmental allergies (seasonal or year-round), sting- ing insect allergy, allergic asthma and for certain individuals with eczema for which environmental allergens are playing a significant role. Immunotherapy involves a person coming into an allergist's office one to two times per week for the first several months. They are given increasing amounts of the allergens that they are allergic to, by injection under the skin. Once the target dose is obtained, a person on allergy shots will come into the office every two to four weeks for a period of three to five years. In essence, immunotherapy "retrains" the immune system to tolerate those allergens. Improvement in allergy symptoms is usually noted within several months of starting treatment, which allows individu- als to decrease the amount of medica- tions that they need to take on a daily basis. The beneficial effects of immuno- therapy will persist for several years after a course of immun- therapy has been completed which is why it is considered the treatment of choice for those with severe allergies. Do you have questions about Allergy Partners? Join us for our Facebook Live interview, Ask The Expert! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates. Facebook: @fredericksburgparent / Twitter: @FredParent / Instagram: @fredparentmagazine a sk t h e e x p e rt "Over the past decade, a greater understanding of how our immune systems work has led to a renaissance in our field." ~ dr. Mozena Q: What are three surprising tips for reducing allergens in your home? Many individuals with year-round environmental allergies are reacting to dust mites. We actually become allergic to the feces of dust mites, not the mite itself. The feces become easily airborne when surfaces like carpets, pillows or mattresses are disturbed. Dust-mite encasements on pillowcases and mattresses can significantly decrease exposure to the dust-mite allergen. The growth of dust mites and indoor molds can be contained through aggressive control of humidity. Dust mites lack mouths and absorb water through glands present on their legs. Humidity levels below 50% make it very difficult for dust mites and indoor molds to thrive. Outdoor allergens become indoor allergens when we leave doors and windows open. It is important to regularly change the filters in your air-conditioning units. Additionally, indoor plants often harbor mold on their leaves and in the soil and can release spores which can affect sus- ceptible individuals. Minimizing the number of indoor plants can help decrease allergen exposure for those individuals. Want more allergy info or have questions for Dr. Mozena? You won't want to miss our Facebook- live interview this month! You never know what topic will come up. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates. The growth of dust mites and indoor molds can be contained through aggressive control of humidity. Reduce allergens in your home to ease discomfort. 1 2 3