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- My Thanksgiving was ruined by allergies. Here's what I should have done.
My Thanksgiving was ruined by allergies. Here's what I should have done.
Sarah contacted us on Monday morning.
"I spent Thanksgiving weekend at my in-laws' house. By Friday morning, I couldn't breathe through my nose, my eyes were swollen, and I was so congested I could barely speak. I felt terrible the entire holiday."
She made the same mistake thousands of allergy sufferers make every November.
Here's what happened:
Sarah knew she had allergies, but she thought her regular Claritin would be enough. After all, it's winter—shouldn't outdoor allergies be gone?
What she didn't know:
Her in-laws have 3 cats, a dog, and haven't deep-cleaned their carpets in years. Their heating system (just turned on for winter) was circulating dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores throughout the house.
Her body was under assault from allergens she didn't even know about.
The $800 mistake:
Instead of seeing a specialist before the holidays, Sarah tried:
3 different OTC antihistamines ($60)
Nasal sprays from CVS ($45)
Air purifier for bedroom ($280)
"Natural" remedies from Amazon ($85)
Urgent care visit on Friday ($330)
Total: $800. Result: Still suffering.
What she should have done:
Seen a board-certified allergist 2-3 weeks BEFORE traveling.
Here's why that matters:
✓ Blood test would have identified her specific triggers (she didn't know about the dust mite allergy) ✓ Proper medication plan customized to her actual allergies (not guessing at the drugstore) ✓ Prevention strategy for traveling to allergen-heavy environments ✓ Emergency protocol in case symptoms flared
Total cost with insurance: $40-80 for visit Result: Actually enjoying the holiday
If you're planning Christmas travel, don't make Sarah's mistake.
December holidays are coming fast. If you're visiting family (different home environment = different allergens), you need a plan NOW.
What happens when you book this week:
Day 1: 30-minute virtual consultation from home
Day 3: Blood test results identifying YOUR specific triggers
Day 5: Customized medication plan in hand
Day 7: Prevention strategy for travel
Christmas Day: Actually enjoying time with family
Available this week. Virtual visits from your couch.
Insurance accepted: Medicare + most major PPO plans
States: CA, FL, NY, TX, IL, NV, PA
Why this matters NOW:
Most allergists are booking into January 2026. If you wait until December, you'll spend the holidays suffering like Sarah did.
The difference between suffering and enjoying the holidays is one 30-minute virtual visit.
Committed to making your holidays actually enjoyable,
Dr. Manoukian & The HeyAllergy Team
P.S. Sarah is now one of our patients. She started HeyPak® drops last week and has a proper medication plan for Christmas at her parents' house. She won't make the same mistake twice.
Don't wait until you're desperate.
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