Flowers bloom, green grass reappears, and trees become leafy and full again. It’s a wonderful time of year—unless you have allergies.
An estimated 35 million Americans are affected by seasonal allergic rhinitis (also known as “hay fever”).
1 Tree pollen, grasses, and molds trigger these allergies. When you come into contact with allergens, you may experience symptoms ranging from itchy, watery eyes and sneezing to a runny nose, sore throat, and headaches. Luckily, you don’t need to wait until summer to get relief. With these helpful hints, you can help reduce allergy symptoms and stay bright-eyed and clearheaded all season long. Here’s how.
Limit your exposure to the outdoors.1
While fresh spring air might feel nice in your home, it’s in your best interest to keep the windows closed. Instead, rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool so that pollen stays right where it belongs: outside! Also, keep your car windows closed while driving to make sure you feel allergy-symptom-free when you arrive at your destination.
Reschedule your outdoor activities.1
Help reduce allergy symptoms by observing when yours are at their worst and then adjusting your schedule accordingly. The weather forecast can also help you plan your day or week. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), “Allergy symptoms are often less prominent on rainy, cloudy or windless days because pollen does not move around during these conditions. Pollen tends to travel more with hot, dry and windy weather, which can increase your allergy symptoms.... Try to stay indoors when the pollen or mold levels are reported to be high.”
1 Peak pollen times are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
2
Cover up and clean up after yard work.
Wear a dust mask when doing outdoor chores, such as mowing or raking.
1 These activities can stir up pollens in the air around you.
1 Change your clothes and take a shower after being outside to wash off any pollen that has collected on your skin or hair.
2
Don’t dry clothes or sheets and linens on an outdoor line.1
Hanging clothes or sheets out to dry can give them a nice, fresh smell, but be cautious: Pollen and molds can collect on your clothes as they hang on the line. Instead, stick to the dryer and you’ll reduce the potential for allergy symptoms to flare up.
1
Visit your doctor.
Several oral and nasal medications can help relieve your allergy symptoms. These medications can include antihistamines, decongestant nasal sprays, and nasal decongestant pills.
2 An allergist or immunologist can help find the right medication for you.
2
Take a vacation.1
Areas near large bodies of water tend to have lower pollen counts—there was never a better excuse for hitting the beach!
Check out the appropriate
Vicks® products that you could use to help relieve many common allergy symptoms.
A Trusted Resource
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals, and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease.
