People getting ready to decorate their house ahead of the Christmas period are being warned they could be at risk of falling ill. For most people, Christmas decorations spend 11 months of the year being kept in the loft or a basement, only coming out for December before being packed away for the New Year.
While this is a regular practice for households across the UK, it could also present some dangers to health. Dr Neel Patel, a GP at Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, said people could fall down with symptoms that could be mistaken for a common cold or Covid-19 because of their Christmas decoration.
He highlighted that some of the most common things used to decorate a house for Christmas can trigger allergies and allergic-like reactions. He noted that general decorations like baubauls, scented candles, and festive wreaths could all contribute to allergy-related health issues.
Read below for a full breakdown on some of the Christmas decorations Dr Patel is warning about winter....
While being the star of the show and arguably the most iconic decoration during Christmas, if you're pulling a Christmas tree out of the loft this winter, it can contain a wide variety of contaminants that can cause an allergic reaction. Dr Patel said: "Seasonal decorations are stored away, collecting dust for much of the year.
"This means they can trigger allergies because dust often contains a mix of particles like pollen, mould spores and dust mites. When disturbed, such as when putting up the tree or decorating, the particles become airborne, potentially triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
"To avoid an allergic reaction from dusty decorations, wipe them down with a damp cloth before you decorate your home. You could also try storing them in airtight containers or vacuum bags when not in use."
Dr Patel continued: "Scented candles can trigger allergies or allergic-like reactions due to the chemicals and fragrances they contain.
"Many scented candles contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and additives that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. These chemicals can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or congestion.
"If you are particularly sensitive, it's best to avoid candles or opt for unscented candles instead."
"During autumn and winter, trees and leaves are often used for wreaths or other forms of decoration. However, mould spores can be present. When these trees or leaves are brought indoors for decoration purposes and placed in a warm and dry environment, any existing spores can become airborne, potentially causing allergy symptoms.
"Mould spores are a common allergen. When people inhale or come into contact with these spores, especially if they are sensitive or allergic to moulds, it can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, and in some cases, more severe respiratory issues.
"If you have asthma or a real tree has triggered allergies before, you might want to use artificial decorations instead of real ones."
Dr Patel continued: "It's not just bringing dusty decorations out of storage that might trigger allergies. With dust comes dust mites. Dust mites are tiny, harmless creatures, but their waste particles contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
"When individuals with dust mite allergies inhale these particles or come into contact with them, their immune system reacts by releasing histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergic reactions.
"Common reactions include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, or skin rashes in more severe cases."
Guidance from the NHS highlights that allergies can be treated through a variety of ways. This can include simply avoiding the substance that triggers the allergic reaction, taking antihistamines or steroid tablets, or applying creams for mild allergic reactions.
However, if you suffer from severe allergic reactions, you may need to go through immunotherapy, which is where your body is carefully exposed to whatever is causing the reaction over a long period so that it gets used to it and triggers a less serious response. In most cases, an allergic reaction should only cause mild symptoms.
However, more serious symptoms may warrant a 999 call. This includes:
In such cases of a serious allergic reaction, you may need to undergo immediate hospital treatment.