Do People Get Allergies in the Winter in Virginia?

Winter Allergy Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment in Hampton Roads 

Many Virginia residents are surprised to learn that allergies don’t stop in winter. If you’re dealing with congestion, sneezing, sinus pressure, or post-nasal drip during the colder months, you may be experiencing winter allergies and not a lingering cold.

At Advanced ENT & Allergy, Dr. Timothy Queen helps patients throughout Newport News and the Hampton Roads area identify and treat winter allergy symptoms so they can breathe clearly year-round. 

Can You Have Allergies in the Winter? 

Yes. You can absolutely have allergies in the winter, especially in Virginia.

While outdoor pollen is lower, winter allergies are usually caused by indoor allergens, which increase when people spend more time inside with closed windows and heating systems running. 

What Causes Winter Allergies in Virginia?

The most common winter allergy triggers in Virginia include: 

Dust Mites

Dust mites thrive in warm indoor environments and are commonly found in:

• Mattresses and pillows
• Bedding
• Upholstered furniture
• Carpets and rugs

Mold

Even during winter, Virginia’s humidity can promote mold growth in:

• Bathrooms
• Basements and crawl spaces
• Around HVAC units

Pet Dander

Pets spend more time indoors during colder months, increasing exposure to dander—even if you’ve had your pet for years. 

Indoor Irritants

Fireplace smoke, candles, cleaning products, and poor ventilation can irritate the nasal passages and worsen allergy symptoms.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between a Cold and Allergies?

A simple rule of thumb:  If symptoms last longer than 10 days and don’t include a fever, allergies are more likely. 

Common Signs It’s Allergies (Not a Cold):

• Sneezing that doesn’t improve
• Itchy nose, eyes, or throat
• Clear nasal drainage
• Symptoms that persist for weeks or months

Colds usually improve within 7–10 days, while allergy symptoms linger.

Are Winter Allergies Common in Hampton Roads? 

Yes. Winter allergies are very common in Hampton Roads and coastal Virginia.

Humidity, indoor mold exposure, and extended time indoors make residents in Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and surrounding areas more prone to winter allergy symptoms.

Should I See an ENT or Allergy Specialist for Winter Allergies?

You should consider seeing an ENT or allergy specialist if you have:

• Ongoing nasal congestion
• Frequent sinus infections
• Facial pressure or headaches
• Poor sleep due to breathing issues
• Little relief from over-the-counter medications

Dr. Timothy Queen specializes in identifying the root cause of symptoms and creating personalized treatment plans for long-term relief.

How Are Winter Allergies Treated?

At Advanced ENT & Allergy, winter allergy care may include:

• Allergy testing to identify triggers
• Prescription or non-drowsy medications
• Nasal and sinus evaluations
• Allergy immunotherapy (shots or sublingual therapy)
• Treatment plans tailored to Virginia-specific allergens

What Can I Do at Home to Reduce Winter Allergies?

Simple steps that can help:

• Wash bedding weekly in hot water
• Use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers
• Change HVAC filters regularly
• Keep indoor humidity between 30–50%
• Vacuum using a HEPA filter
• Limit strong scents and smoke exposure

These steps help. However, they don’t replace professional evaluation when symptoms persist.

When Should I Schedule an Allergy Appointment?

You should schedule an appointment if:

• Symptoms last longer than 10 days
• You get frequent sinus infections
• Congestion interferes with sleep or work
• Over-the-counter medications aren’t helping

Early treatment can prevent chronic sinus problems and improve quality of life.

Trusted Winter Allergy Care in Virginia

If winter allergy symptoms are affecting your breathing, sleep, or daily comfort, expert care is available. 

Dr. Timothy Queen and the team at Advanced ENT & Allergy provide compassionate, comprehensive care for patients throughout Newport News, Hampton Roads, and surrounding Virginia communities.

Schedule your appointment today and start breathing easier – this  winter and beyond. You can easily request an appointment at https://www.entallergy1.com/registration

Advanced ENT & Allergy
Timothy Queen, MD
ENT and allergy care for children and adults