Allergies: no rest for the sneezy


For millions of Canadian allergy sufferers, it seems like it’s always allergy season. Spring moulds and tree pollens pass the allergy baton to summer pollens and ragweed, and then hay fever season in the fall.1 Indoors there’s a host of non-seasonal allergens, including food allergies, contact allergies and drug allergies.

But wait, it gets better! Over the course of our lives, we can grow out of old allergies, and into new ones. For reasons which are not clearly understood, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, asthma, anaphylaxis and atopic dermatitis are all on the rise.2

When every breeze carries a sneeze.

As many as 25% of Canadians suffer from seasonal allergies.3 The severity of symptoms may vary by weather conditions including wind, rain, temperature and humidity levels, plus geographic location.4

Moister climates are more conducive to dust mites. Dry windy climates release tree and other pollens more freely and in greater abundance. Though rain can wash high volumes of airborne pollens into the ground, it also releases a torrent of moulds and mildew.5

The invisible world of allergens.

At any given time, there’s a whole unseen universe of allergens swirling around us. Most of the time, our bodies deal with them in ways that don’t adversely affect us. But when they don’t, it causes a histamine response.  

Allergens enter our bodies by ingestion, inhalation or dermal contact. If our body identifies them as foreign, it deploys an immune response to fend off the perceived “invaders.” This releases histamines, and causes the sneezy, watery eyes, itching and runny nose that are the hallmarks of the allergy sufferer.

Managing severe or chronic allergies can cost hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. Flexcare® and FollowMe™ Health Insurance Plans from Manulife can help cover a variety of prescription allergy medications, treatments and more. Choose the plan that most closely reflects your needs and budget, or create your own with Stand-Alone options.* 

Common allergens include: 

  • Food allergies
  • Pet dander
  • Dust mites
  • Moulds and mildew
  • Tree pollens
  • Grasses
  • Insect bites
  • Medications
  • Latex
  • Fragrances

Source: The Weather Network, 2017. https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/canadas-10-most-common-seasonal-allergies/81059

Food allergies on the rise.

Approximately 2.5 million Canadians report having a food allergy,6 and incidence is highest among children under the age of 3.7 Hereditary factors are believed to play a role in predisposing a person to food allergies.8

Anaphylaxis on the rise.

Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergy response, which is rapid in onset and can be fatal. Symptoms include hives, swelling of the face, lips and tongue, itching, rash, wheezing and respiratory distress, chest pain, nasal congestion, watery eyes and sneezing, and can also include nausea, cramps and vomiting, fainting and shock.9 

Individuals at risk may carry an epinephrine auto-injector. Allergens which may trigger anaphylactic response include peanuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, mustard, insect bites and stings, medications and latex.10

Little nut. Big controversy.

Peanuts have easily garnered the lion’s share of the controversy around food allergies -- though no one knows exactly why peanut allergies have risen over the past 10 years. It may be related to dry roasting vs. boiling, or the introduction of genetically modified varieties. There is even speculation that not exposing children to peanuts from an early age has actually denied them the chance to develop an appropriate tolerance to them.11

Tips for allergy control at home.

  • Use fragrance-free household products
  • Don’t permit smoking indoors
  • Vacuum 2x weekly with a hepa-type filter
  • Use cling-type dusters
  • Shower at night instead of in the morning
  • Maintain a temperature of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit  
  • Ensure humidity is less than 50% 
  • Keep pets out of the bedroom
  • Use allergy-friendly air filters 
  • Exercise caution in food preparation 

Source: The Weather Network, 2017. https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/5-must-know-tips-for-living-with-allergies/79854/

When over-the-counter won’t cut it. 

More chronic allergy symptoms may require prescription medications. 

These fall into several categories including antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, auto-injectible epinephrine (also known as the EpiPen) and auto immunotherapy (also known as allergy shots).12

It costs approximately $120 for a single, potentially life-saving auto-injector of epinephrine.13 Given that most prescription allergy drugs including EpiPens are not covered by public plans, having a family member with severe allergies or anaphylaxis can be financially draining. 

Flexible insurance plans such as Manulife Flexcare® Health and Dental Insurance Plans are designed to help protect you against routine and unexpected expenses including prescription allergy medications and treatments, eyeglasses, dental care and more.* 

*Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See policy for details.

This article is part of a continuing series of informational articles about the issues impacting health care in Canada. Manulife offers a range of insurance and banking products to meet the changing needs of Canadians, including Health & Dental coverage. For more information on plans or other informational articles, visit coverme.com/health or call 1-844-664-3539.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Visit Manulife.com/accessibility for more information.

For more information on plans or to apply online

1-844-664-3539

Or visit coverme.com/health

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Underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. Flexcare® and FollowMeTM are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and is used by it, and by its affiliates under licence. © 2017 The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. Manulife, PO Box 670, Stn Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2J 4B8