Allergic to cats in AL, what can I do?

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I was working LTC until I decided to go back to school. I am now working on the assisted living side of the same company. I was working on their assisted living dementia unit but now they are orienting me for the other unit where residents have cats and I think I am allergic. I have only been orienting once a day for 3 weeks leave there with a sore throat each time. I thought it was stress from school or maybe getting sick. But I think it is residents with the cats. I can't get tested right now because I have no insurance.

My boss is not the most receptive person. Can I just say that I am developing an allergy? Any advice?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

NOT MEDICAL ADVICE

Are you on OTC allergy meds? Just asking, because I am allergic to cats and it works wonders.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I also worked in AL and one of my residents has a cat. As a CNA I switch her care with another cna. I recently went to an allergist and was prescribed zyrtec so I can tolerate the cat along with nasal sprays. With this said follow meanmaryjean's advice and try the OTC. As a nurse you won't be able avoid the cats.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

Get insurance or go to a clinic that does not require it. Until then, talk to your neighborhood pharmacist and see if an OTC is appropriate.

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

I thought that "AL" in this case was "Alabama," and I was thinking perhaps the Yellowhammer state was overrun by felines.

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I am new nurse but worked LTC since I have been working. I never thought this would be an issue. Everyone I know has dogs so I never thought about til working on assisted living facility.

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NOT MEDICAL ADVICE

Are you on OTC allergy meds? Just asking, because I am allergic to cats and it works wonders.

I haven't yet. I was just taking to a friend about it and he just found out what he is allergic to and got an epi-pen. So, I am hoping not to have to do the same.

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I thought that "AL" in this case was "Alabama," and I was thinking perhaps the Yellowhammer state was overrun by felines.

Hahahahaha!

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I thought that "AL" in this case was "Alabama," and I was thinking perhaps the Yellowhammer state was overrun by felines.

I was thinking this, too.... lol

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I haven't yet. I was just taking to a friend about it and he just found out what he is allergic to and got an epi-pen. So, I am hoping not to have to do the same.

To get an epi-pen he's not just allergic he has an anaphalxyis. (and yes I know I spelt that wrong).

Most doctors won't even issue a script for an epi-pen unless testing is done or a reaction has occurred.

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My cat allergy only acts up if I am touching cats and then my face, or if I am visiting someone with cats who has not vacuumed recently. I wonder if it is specific rooms? Would a mask help?

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I am also not giving medical advice here-- just sharing my own experience.

When I was hired to hospice nursing I was originally going to work both the inpatient units and home setting for our company. I told them I won't be able to visit homes with multiple cats or people who are smoking in their homes. They felt this was too limiting in the cases I might be able to take on home visits, so they only work me at impatient units.

*However* we have patients on the units who are allowed to have their pets visit from home. I take an OTC non-drowsy allergy med on my work days to help cope with that, and with other allergens on the unit from flowers, cleaning products, oil diffuses, etc.

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