If you’re taking allergy shots, you’re aware of their importance in maintaining and alleviating allergies. Whether you’re in the build-up phase or the maintenance phase, it’s critical to be consistent with your allergist visits. However, winter can present some challenges for staying on target with your immunotherapy regimen. Let’s discuss some tips on how to maintain your allergy shot schedule, even during the winter.
Miss a Dose?
Despite your best efforts, things happen that might cause you to miss an appointment. Illnesses, such as the flu, COVID or common cold, run rampant in the winter. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified the last flu season as “high severity,” with the highest flu hospitalization rate in over a decade. Or perhaps you were traveling for the holidays to visit loved ones or escape the cold weather. Life happens, and we understand, and now it’s time to get you back on track.
What to Do if You Miss a Dose
If, for any reason, you had to miss an allergy shot appointment, it’s imperative to call your allergist right away to discuss options. Your next steps will depend on your customized treatment plan and what phase of immunotherapy you are in. You will likely be asked to come in for your next shot as soon as you possibly can.
If you know ahead of time that you’ll have to miss an appointment, call your allergist as soon as possible so you can discuss an alternative. We can help you reschedule your appointment or, in some cases, arrange for the shot to be taken at another facility.
As it happens, during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, allergists had to devise dose adjustment strategies for patients who missed allergy shots due to illness or lockdowns. While no consensus exists on which approach is superior, several strategies are available that may help mitigate the effects of a missed dose.
How to Stay on Track Safely
First of all, it’s critical to keep yourself motivated to continue your treatment. It can be challenging to maintain momentum in the winter, as allergy season is far away and symptoms seem like a remote concern (out of sight, out of mind, as they say). Here are some tips to keep yourself motivated:
- Reward yourself after each appointment so you have something to look forward to. Treat yourself to a coffee at your favorite café or a sunset stroll through Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.
- Remember that immunotherapy is a life-changing treatment. Make a list of activities that are made difficult by allergy symptoms. Picture yourself doing these activities symptom-free.
- Wear an outfit that you really like on the day of your appointment. This will make you more willing, even excited, to go out and about.
If you have any concerns about your allergy shot schedule or have any questions about staying on track, talk to us about it. Our skilled allergists will work with you to make sure your allergy treatment is effective and efficient. Call us today with any questions.