As winter descends upon us and the holiday season unfolds, accompanied by the anticipation of snow, if you constantly find yourself falling prey to a cold during these festive times, there's a possibility you may be allergic to Christmas trees. More precisely, your allergy might be linked to something associated with Christmas trees rather than the trees themselves.

Christmas Tree Syndrome—another winter illness that AFC Urgent Care Worcester has crafted a guide for. This guide aims to enhance your understanding of Christmas Tree Syndrome and provide insights on how to manage it, ensuring a harmonious relationship with your festive evergreen.

Signs of Christmas Tree Syndrome:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Itchy Nose
• Watery Eyes
• Fatigue
• Sleep Problems
• Dark Circles Under the Eyes

What Triggers Christmas Tree Syndrome?

Christmas Tree Syndrome emerges as an allergic response to your holiday tree. Contrary to the misconception that it exclusively affects live trees, both live and artificial ones can contribute to this syndrome, with a higher prevalence in natural trees. Various elements, including the tree's aroma, resin, or naturally occurring molds, can prompt symptoms. A study from the State University of New York discovered that 70% of molds on live Christmas trees can lead to severe issues like asthma attacks, fatigue, and sinus congestion.

Preventing Christmas Tree Syndrome:

For Live Trees:

• Use gloves and long sleeves when bringing the tree indoors to avoid sap contact.
• Wear a mask, especially if you have asthma or are sensitive to dust and pollen.
• Before bringing it inside, shake or blow the tree with a leaf blower and spray it with water to remove pollen and mold.
• Allow the tree stump to dry in a bucket of water outside for a few days to prevent mold growth.
• Families with significant allergies should consider refraining from setting up live trees. If opting for one, limit its display to no more than a week.

For Artificial Trees:

• Properly store your artificial tree during the off-season: wrap it securely, store it in a cool, dry place, and avoid dusty environments.
• Wipe down the tree before setting it up in your home.
• Clean ornaments before decorating the tree.
• Exercise caution with spray snow, as aerosol chemicals can cause eye, nose, or lung irritations.
• Promptly remove the Christmas tree after the holidays to mitigate the risk of mold spores and other allergens.

AFC Urgent Care Worcester Is

If you suspect Christmas Tree Syndrome, visit AFC Urgent Care Worcester at any of our locations. We can help determine whether your tree is the source or if there's a more serious underlying cause for your symptoms, such as a cold or the flu. 

We're available seven days a week, accepting a variety of insurance plans. Feel free to walk in, schedule an appointment, or reach out to us by phone. Take advantage of our user-friendly online payment system for easy check-in and check-out with just a few clicks. Wishing you a happy holiday season and good health!