As we bid farewell to peak cold and flu season, another wave of sniffles and sneezes is taking over, courtesy of spring allergies.
Seasonal allergies, which range from hay fever to allergic rhinitis and pollen allergies, seem to be arriving with greater intensity and lingering longer year after year. And no, you’re not imagining it.
Public health and research organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America point to climate change as a possible contributing factor to worsening allergy seasons. With warmer air temperatures, pollinating plants may experience earlier and longer growing seasons, allowing them to produce more pollen.
But, even with a worse allergy season, there are actionable strategies you can follow to decrease your pollen exposure and reduce your risk of allergies. Here’s your guide to staying sniffle-free and enjoying spring this year.
Lower your exposure to allergens in the home
Limiting your exposure to pollen is the best way to prevent symptoms during allergy season. This means keeping your home clear of pollen while you’re inside.
Keep pollen out
It’s hard to resist opening the windows at the first glimpse of warm weather, but keeping doors and windows closed during allergy season will help keep pollen from physically entering your home.
Install HEPA filters
If possible, install HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters on your HVAC system or air conditioning units. HEPA filters are designed to capture and trap microscopic particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even bacteria and viruses, effectively improving air quality.
Spring clean
A little “spring cleaning” can go a long way to help reduce allergens in your home. Take time to dust, vacuum and clean the house regularly—dust and dander around the home are bound to contain pollen and other allergens.
If you’re a pet owner, it might be time to bathe your furry friend. Not only can pets trigger specific allergies from their dander, but they can also bring pollen into the home.
Wash your hands often
If you came away from the cold and flu season unscathed, this one is a no brainer.
Like viruses, pollen is likely to be on your hands. Washing your hands frequently can prevent it from getting to sensitive areas like your eyes, mouth, nose, and throat.
Limit pollen exposure when you’re outside
If you plan to be outside regularly or engage in outdoor activities during allergy season, your chances of exposure to pollen are higher. Still, you can take a few precautions to help limit your exposure to pollen.
Track pollen levels
Local and regional weather services regularly forecast pollen levels in the air. If you will be outside, track weather and pollen levels to limit exposure. You can find up-to-date information at pollen.com.
Shower after being outdoors
If you’ve spent the day outside, your clothes will likely carry pollen back inside with you. Take a shower to remove pollen from your hair and body.
Consider washing your clothes immediately or storing them separately from other items to limit pollen spread.
If in doubt, don’t go out
As difficult as it is to not take advantage of warm spring days, if you have a severe allergic reaction to seasonal pollen, don’t risk going outside, especially if pollen levels are high. In only a few weeks the seasons will change and you can enjoy the warmer weather.
Consider allergy medication
In addition to prevention, there are many options for allergy relief from your doctor and local pharmacy.
Over-the-counter allergy medications include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays. Stronger prescription versions of these medications and other drugs are available through your doctor or Mercy Urgent Care.
If symptoms persist despite taking these precautions, schedule a visit with your physician — or stop by your closest Mercy Urgent Care location — to see what additional treatments may be available to you.
