Today at 5:58 p.m. EDT we will be welcoming spring. The first day of spring, the Vernal Equinox, has 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The term vernal is Latin for “spring” and equinox is Latin for “equal night“. That will mean more hours of daylight from now on, and warmer days!
But spring not only brings warmer weather and flowers; millions of Americans will also suffer from seasonal allergies. According to AAFA, the spring allergy season begins with pollen released by trees, followed by grass later in spring and into summer. If you suffer from spring allergies, here are four things you should know:
How can you minimize your exposure to pollen?
- Keep windows closed.
- Wear sunglasses and a hat.
- Wash your clothes after outdoor activities.
- Take a shower before bed.
- Remove your shoes before entering your home.
- Use central AC with air filtration.
- Check pollen counts on the National Allergy Bureau™ website.
If you can’t avoid pollen exposure, what else can you do?
- Try rinsing your nose with a nasal rinse.
- Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medicines (ask your doctor about it).
- Immunotherapy: these are shots or tablets that are a long-term treatment for pollen allergies. It can help prevent allergic reactions or reduce their severity.
What are the top 10 most challenging places to live with spring allergies in 2019?
- McAllen, Texas
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Springfield, Massachusetts
- Louisville, Kentucky
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Richmond, Virginia
Which trees are most responsible for spring allergy symptoms?
- Box elder
- Mountain elder
For more information, visit AAFA.com and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
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