Aloha Allergy and Immunology

Very informative talk with Matthew McConaughey and Dr. Fauci on the facts of COVID-19 and what they imply to us and the country.

Please send us any more questions regarding the immune system and we would be happy to address them!

Allergies to dust mites are one of the most prevalent in Hawaii, mainly due to the warm and humid tropical climate of the islands that these creatures favor. Those sensitive to dust mites may experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, and itchy eyes, throat, or ears. Continued exposure may lead to the development of allergic rhinitis or could trigger asthma in those predisposed to the condition. Dust mites are predominantly found inside the house, especially in beds. It is recommended for bedding and pillows to be washed weekly, or to be encased in allergen-proof covers. If symptoms continue, consider seeing your allergist to discuss treatment options such as desensitization to the allergen. For more information, please visit https://www.aaaai.org//li/allergy-library/indoor-allergens

Question: What does it mean to boost your immune system? Is it possible to do that, and if so, how? Dr. Lucuab-Fegurgur’s Answer: We can potentially boost or optimize our immune system by keeping ourselves in an overall state of good health. This may include getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight, eating healthy foods, avoiding potential toxins such as tobacco and excessive alcohol, and minimizing stress. Moreover, we should all practice frequent hand washing and other steps to help avoid infection. - Please comment or message us if you have additional questions relating to food allergies!

Don’t put your chronic conditions on hold! Our Honolulu office will still be open for physical appointments, however if you are not comfortable coming in given the current situation, we are also available through Telehealth. To learn more about Telehealth, please visit our website at alohaallergy.com

New CDC guidelines passed for fully vaccinated individuals! This is applicable to individuals who have received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine since over two weeks ago OR individuals who have gone two weeks since they have received a single dosage of the Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to gather with other fully vaccinated individuals without having to wear a mask or practice social distancing. They may also come into contact with unvaccinated individuals without having to wear a mask or social distance. Additionally, following a known exposure but remaining asymptomatic, a fully vaccinated person may omit quarantine and testing. For more information and continued updates, please check out the CDC website! https://www.cdc.gov//vaccin/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

Molds are very common in Hawaii throughout buildings and homes as the conditions are ideal for their survival especially in warm and damp areas. Molds release spores which we inhale; while for some people it is unnoticeable, for others it may cause an allergic reaction or asthma. Common symptoms of this reaction are runny/itchy nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and sneezing. There are many types of molds, however not all can trigger an allergic reaction the more common species are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. To find out if you are possibly allergic to any type of mold, especially if you find yourself experiencing allergy symptoms, consider scheduling an allergy test with your allergist. For more information, please visit https://www.aaaai.org/Conditions-Tre/Allergies/Mold-Allergy

We are grateful to have had the opportunity for all of our physicians and staff at Aloha Allergy and Immunology to receive the COVID-19 vaccine! If you have any questions concerning allergic reactions in relation to the vaccine, please feel free to reach out to any of us.

Question: How do you know if your immune system is weakened? Dr. Lucuab-Fegurgur’s Answer: You may have a weakened immune system if you tend to develop frequent and/or severe or unusual infections. If you have any concerns about your immune system, please consider scheduling an appointment with a specialist. - Please comment or message us if you have additional questions relating to food allergies!

No one likes to get shots, but the flu vaccination is a very beneficial and important compromise. The CDC advises that getting a flu shot this year may be as important as ever, as we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reducing your risk of being hospitalized for flu can greatly alleviate the currently large strain on hospitals and healthcare facilities that are running at capacity with COVID-19 patients. Regularly getting a flu shot will also help exercise your immune system by keeping it active and ready to respond to illness. The longer you go without getting a flu shot the more likely you will become severely ill should you contract it. You can check with your physician or local pharmacy on whether you can get your flu shot right now.

Question: What does it mean to have a weak immune system? How many people does this affect? Dr. Lucuab-Fegurgur’s Answer: People with a weak immune system may be lacking or deficient in one or more components of the immune system, which may impair its ability to defend against some infections. A weak immune system may be secondary (e.g., malignancy or immunosuppressant medications) or primary (inherited). About 1 in 500 people are born with a primary immunodeficiency, however these vary in severity as there are over 300 types of primary immunodeficiency. - Please comment or message us if you have additional questions relating to food allergies!

We have just posted information on our website regarding current vaccination guidelines, where to receive it, and a Q&A on COVID-19 and how it relates to individuals with a history of immunodeficiency. Please visit the website at alohaallergy.com/covid-19-vaccine-info to learn more!

While many people own pets, unfortunately many individuals also have allergies to their animals which might make it difficult for them to own a pet or get one. Allergies to pets are often triggered by the proteins in their dander, skin flakes, saliva, urine, and pollen and mold particles that may accumulate on their fur. These allergies are usually defined by symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, itchiness, and watery eyes. Hypoallergenic dog and cat breeds do not necessari...ly mean that these animals might still not trigger allergies. While many individuals might think that the only solution to cope with their pet allergies is getting rid of their pet, fortunately it doesn’t always have to come to that allergists/immunologists are able to do desensitization treatments on both adults and children that can cure these allergies while being able to still keep your pet. Visit Aloha Allergy and Immunology to set a proper diagnosis and explore treatment options that will make both you and your pet happy! For more information, please visit https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-trea/allergies/pet-allergy See more