This is how you can help make an “allergy feels” emoji happen

May 24 2018, 6:54 am

Itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, and hives are just some of the annoying things that allergy sufferers are forced to deal with on a daily basis.

But the most annoying thing isn’t the sneezing or sniffling; it’s the blank, unsympathetic looks you get from everyone around you when you tell them that your allergies are to blame. It’s like half of them think you need to just toughen up, and the other half are worried you’re contagious.

We’re here to tell you that you’re not alone. About 39% of Canadians are affected by allergies, according to a recent study by REACTINE®. You heard us — half of the population is suffering and most people feel their symptoms have a negative impact on their emotional health.

Allergies/Shutterstock

REACTINE® knows what you’re going through (it’s kind of their thing, after all), and they want to help provide an outlet for everybody sneezing their way through the end of spring. To that end, they’ve unveiled part of their master plan: The creation of an “allergy feels” emoji.

We’re not kidding – REACTINE® has already submitted a formal proposal to the Unicode Consortium (the governing organization of emoji creation). And you can sign the petition with REACTINE® now via Change.org to help make this “allergy feels” emoji happen.

Just think about it, over 14 million Canadians, 50 million Americans, and 400 million people around the world are affected by allergies. An emoji like this would allow for better communication, instant understanding, and provide some emotional relief for anyone suffering in their daily life.

Allergy symptoms

“Allergy symptoms can be confusing, but knowing what to look for can help you better treat your symptoms or avoid them altogether,” says Victor Wong, pharmacist/owner of two Shoppers Drug Marts in Toronto. “The biggest clue may be how long the symptoms last and when they occur. Most cold symptoms only last a few days, but if you notice that your symptoms last more than a week or a month, it is most likely an allergy.”

“Also, allergies tend to be seasonal and usually occur regularly during certain times of the year starting in May and lasting until September depending on what you are allergic to. Pay attention to the daily pollen reports as well. Allergy symptoms will usually flare up on moderate to high pollen days.”

Wong notes that although the aisle of allergy medications may seem overwhelming at first, it’s important to choose the right medication so you can enjoy all the outdoor activities you love.

“I usually recommend most people start off with a long-lasting antihistamine that will relieve allergy symptoms all day. If you’re someone who experiences symptoms regularly throughout the allergy season, regular daily use of an antihistamine like REACTINE® will help restore your normal quality of life.”

What you can do

REACTINE® is spearheading a broader movement to stand with you as an allergy sufferer – to make your voice heard. Don’t forget to share your #AllergyFeels stories on social media to help make the allergy emoji a reality and help the community of allergy sufferers be better understood.

Pharmacist Wong says that aside from taking medication, you can practice good “allergy survival techniques to help reduce your exposure to pesky allergens like pollen, mold, grass, and ragweed.”

Other tips for fighting allergies include:

  • Keeping your windows closed overnight
  • Using an air conditioner
  • Taking a shower as soon as you get indoors and throwing your outdoor clothes into the wash
  • Cleaning your pets more often if they go outside
  • Using a HEPA filter when you’re at home

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