As Brits gear up to deck their halls for the festive season, they're being warned that their Christmas decorations could potentially make them ill. Most people stash their Christmas decorations in the loft or basement for 11 months of the year, only bringing them out in December before packing them away again in the new year.

While this is a common practice across UK households, it could also pose some health risks. Dr Neel Patel, a GP at Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, has warned that symptoms caused by Christmas decorations could be mistaken for a common cold or even Covid-19.

He pointed out that many typical Christmas decorations can trigger allergies and allergy-like reactions. He mentioned that everyday decorations like baubles, scented candles, and festive wreaths could all contribute to allergy-related health problems.

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While being the star of the show and arguably the most iconic decoration during Christmas, if you're pulling a Christmas tree out of the loft this winter, it can contain a wide variety of contaminants that can cause an allergic reaction. Dr Patel said: “Seasonal decorations are stored away, collecting dust for much of the year.

"This means they can trigger allergies because dust often contains a mix of particles like pollen, mould spores and dust mites. When disturbed, such as when putting up the tree or decorating, the particles become airborne, potentially triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

“To avoid an allergic reaction from dusty decorations, wipe them down with a damp cloth before you decorate your home. You could also try storing them in airtight containers or vacuum bags when not in use.”

Dr Patel continued: “Scented candles can trigger allergies or allergic-like reactions due to the chemicals and fragrances they contain. “Many scented candles contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and additives that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned.

"These chemicals can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or congestion. If you are particularly sensitive, it’s best to avoid candles or opt for unscented candles instead.”

“During autumn and winter, trees and leaves are often used for wreaths or other forms of decoration. However, mould spores can be present. When these trees or leaves are brought indoors for decoration purposes and placed in a warm and dry environment, any existing spores can become airborne, potentially causing allergy symptoms.

“Mould spores are a common allergen. When people inhale or come into contact with these spores, especially if they are sensitive or allergic to moulds, it can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, and in some cases, more severe respiratory issues.

“If you have asthma or a real tree has triggered allergies before, you might want to use artificial decorations instead of real ones.”

Dr Patel continued: “It’s not just bringing dusty decorations out of storage that might trigger allergies. With dust comes dust mites. Dust mites are tiny harmless creatures, but their waste particles contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

“When individuals with dust mite allergies inhale these particles or come into contact with them, their immune system reacts by releasing histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergic reactions.

“Common reactions include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, or skin rashes in more severe cases.”

NHS guidance explains that allergies can be managed in several ways. This includes simply steering clear of the substance causing the allergic reaction, taking antihistamines or steroid tablets, or using creams for milder allergic responses.

However, for those with severe allergies, immunotherapy may be necessary. This involves a gradual exposure to the allergen over an extended period, allowing the body to acclimate and reduce the severity of the reaction.

Typically, allergic reactions result in mild symptoms. However, more serious symptoms may warrant a 999 call - this includes:

• Your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow


• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale


• You're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe


• Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen


• Someone faints and cannot be woken up


• A rash that iis swollen, raised, or itchy


• A child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)


• You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy

In such cases of a serious allergic reaction, you may need to undergo immediate hospital treatment.