Vaccine Shedding: Facts, Myths, & More
Dear Annie: I'm In A Relationship With A Man I Adore, But He's Allergic To Cats And That's A Problem
DEAR ANNIE: I'm in a wonderful relationship with a man I adore. We've been together for over a year, and he's brought so much joy into my life. The only challenge is that he's severely allergic to cats -- and I have two that I've had for years. My cats are like family to me, and I can't imagine life without them, but his allergy is serious enough that even spending time at my house is difficult for him.
We've talked about the future, and while I want to build a life with him, I'm torn about how to manage this. Rehoming my cats feels unthinkable, but I don't want his health or our relationship to suffer. Is there a way to navigate this situation without losing either my boyfriend or my furry companions? -- Torn Between Love and Fur
DEAR LOVE AND FUR: This is a tricky predicament you're in, but it's not an impossible one. The first step could be to find an allergist. Modern treatments like allergy shots, antihistamines or nasal sprays might help reduce his symptoms over time, making visits to your home more manageable. Make sure you have high-quality air purifiers and keep your home meticulously clean, as this can significantly lower kitty dander in the air.
If your relationship progresses to the point of living together, creating cat-free zones, particularly in the bedroom, can help protect his health.
Ultimately, this is about compromise and open communication. Your love for your cats is valid, but so is his need for a healthy environment. If he's committed to finding a way forward, you'll both find a balance that lets you build a future without sacrificing either of your loves.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.Com.
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WebMD 1:01: How Do Allergies Work?
Allergies. They can have a big impact on your life.Leah
Oh, I know. I once dated this amazing guy who had a cat. I'm allergic. So he had to decide between me and the cat.NOAH
Which did he choose?Leah
The cat, Noah. Donald picked the cat. OK? Now, let's learn about these allergies that ruined my life. Allergies happen when your immune system thinks a substance, like stupid pet dander, is a dangerous intruder.NOAH
When a person with allergies is exposed to an allergen-- through food, insect bites, or even pollen-- the body produces a large quantity of antibodies.Leah
Those antibodies then cause some cells to release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which is histamine.NOAH
The histamine then acts on the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract, and causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction.[SNEEZES]
Leah
Stupid histamines.NOAH
Hey, come on. They're only trying to help.Leah
Whatever. Reactions can range from mild to severe, where emergency medical treatment is needed. But most of the time, some medication will do the trick.NOAH
And people can be allergic to almost anything, from foods to medications to grass, ragweed, to animal dander, from dogs and cats-- Katz's Deli-- ca-- nondogs.Leah
Cats. You can say it. Cats. I am over Donald and that dumb Mr. Snugglebottoms.NOAH
Yeah. Clearly. [MUSIC PLAYING]","publisher":"WebMD Video"} ]]>
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NOAH
Allergies. They can have a big impact on your life.Leah
Oh, I know. I once dated this amazing guy who had a cat. I'm allergic. So he had to decide between me and the cat.NOAH
Which did he choose?Leah
The cat, Noah. Donald picked the cat. OK? Now, let's learn about these allergies that ruined my life. Allergies happen when your immune system thinks a substance, like stupid pet dander, is a dangerous intruder.NOAH
When a person with allergies is exposed to an allergen-- through food, insect bites, or even pollen-- the body produces a large quantity of antibodies.Leah
Those antibodies then cause some cells to release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which is histamine.NOAH
The histamine then acts on the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract, and causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction.[SNEEZES]
Leah
Stupid histamines.NOAH
Hey, come on. They're only trying to help.Leah
Whatever. Reactions can range from mild to severe, where emergency medical treatment is needed. But most of the time, some medication will do the trick.NOAH
And people can be allergic to almost anything, from foods to medications to grass, ragweed, to animal dander, from dogs and cats-- Katz's Deli-- ca-- nondogs.Leah
Cats. You can say it. Cats. I am over Donald and that dumb Mr. Snugglebottoms.NOAH
Yeah. Clearly. [MUSIC PLAYING]Engineering Hypoallergenic Cats: Mutations Found In South African Cats Suggest Allergen Expression May Not Be Essential
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