CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As temperatures drop, many people get sick during the holiday season, but it could actually be your Christmas tree stirring up your sinuses.
That's right, the Christmas staple could be making you sick every December. Let's connect the dots.
If you suffer from typical cold symptoms like a running nose or congestion after bringing your tree in the house, you could be experiencing "Christmas tree syndrome."
Most people suffer because of pervious allergens to a certain type of tree. But whether your Christmas tree is real or fake, you can still catch a cold.
Real fir trees can bring pollen and pine allergens into your house. To combat this, your immune system will build up more mucus to defend itself against those particles entering your body when you breath.
If you prefer an artificial tree, your body isn't completely in the clear, either. Fake trees brought out of storage can release dust mites, insect droppings and possibly mold.
To stop it before it starts, experts recommend keeping fake trees in air-tight containers during the offseason. And when it's out, consider running an air purifier.
WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.