Got Allergies?

Approximately two percent of the United States population is allergic to cats. One third of these people ignore medical advice and keep at least one cat in their home. Recently, contrary to what has been long advised, studies show that people suffering from allergies don’t necessarily have to get rid of their feline companions, says Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, head of Allergy and Asthma at University of Virginia. "You usually hear that families should get rid of their cats," the doctor told MSNBC, "but we do not have enough evidence to say to families with allergies or asthma that they should do this."

These recent studies are part of the theory that exposing a child at a young age to allergy set offs like pet dander and dust mites, help a child develop immunities to them. Another study shows that children with animals in their house have less asthma. In fact Dr. Platts-Mills recommends that two animals are better then one when offering protection from asthma and allergies. This all makes sense considering that children who grow up on farms are less likely to develop allergies than those who grew up in hermetically sealed apartments. Or why in Sweden, 80 percent of kids who are allergic to cats have never had a cat. Now if you or your child is allergic to your companion animal, Platts-Mills recommends getting rid of carpeting, replace upholstery with leather coverings, wash pets twice a week with water only. Use a HEPA air filter in the rooms to help remove airborne pet dander. "No matter how allergic you are to cats, these simple measures can reduce symptoms by 95 percent," Platts-Mills said.