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lly change the response of the body getting it to be harmless and therefore produce no symptoms. Vaccines should not be used in all cases. If the symptoms are mild, iso- lated, respond well to the medication, evolve favourably spontaneously, and the allergenic substance is easy to avoid, it will not be necessary to use vaccines. If, on the other hand, the symptoms are intense, frequent, incapacitating or limiting, with a bad response to the medicines or they evolve in an unfavourable way, the treatment with vaccine should not be delayed. The recommendation to start a treatment with vaccines is issued by the specia- list after a detailed study. Prevention Avoiding contact with the allergen is better than treating the symptoms of an allergic reaction. This measure is possible in allergies to drugs, certain animals or specific substances that can be avoided. At other times it is not possible to avoid it completely, but it is necessary to take all necessary mea- sures to reduce exposure as much as possible. If you experience any symptoms of allergy, you should consult your doc- tor, who will compile the medical his- tory and perform the diagnostic tests necessary to determine exactly the type of allergy and recommend, if ne- cessary, the appropriate treatment. • No need for carpet floors, carpets, upholstered chairs, large stu- ffed animals, etc. Wooden floors and, above all, ceramic floors are the best. • Smooth walls are better and easier to clean. • For storing books, use showcases or closed shelves. • Ventilate the house frequently to avoid humidity, as microscopic animals proliferate with temperatures above 20 ºC and humidity between 70% and 80%. • Pillows and mattresses are true reservoirs of mites, so it is ne- cessary that they are made of synthetic materials or sheathed in non-permeable materials. • Wash bedding frequently, with water above 65 degrees. It is also advisable to use anti-dustmite covers to protect the mattress, pi- llows and sofas, which are the preferred places for these microsco- pic beings. • Avoid those places that concen- trate more pollen: parks, gar- dens, rural environments, etc. • Do not go for a walk on windy days since wind carries large amounts of pollen. • Use glasses to protect your eyes and even a mask. • The highest concentrations of pollen occur early in the mor- ning (between 5:00 and 10:00 am) and in the evening (7:00 to 10:00 pm), therefore, exercise or other outdoor activities are not advisable during these hours. • Keep house windows closed. Tips for preventing pollen allergy • Pollen: grass, olive trees, cu- pressaceae, Arizona cypresses, among others. • Environmental fungi. • Dust mites. • Animal skin cells. Cats, dogs, horses and rodents as the most frequent cause. • Certain foods such as milk, eggs, seafood, wheat, nuts, cho- colate peanuts and soybeans. • Medications. • Insects. Main allergens Tips for avoiding dust mite allergy W E L L N E S S W E L L N E S S 39