Fall is quickly approaching and it looks like allergy sufferers are in for a tough season. ABC News recently reported that “with record pollen counts already on the board for August, this fall is gearing up to be on the worst, and longest, allergy seasons yet. “ Allergy experts and scientists have noted that this allergy season may be a few weeks longer than the last few years.
Because of a “a particularly wet summer, ragweed pollen levels are surging and standing water left over from summer flooding and Hurricane Irene has increased the amount of mold, a common year-round allergen, in the air.”
Why should you stay indoors during high pollen count days and at certain times of day?
One way to avoid allergy-triggering contaminants is to be very strategic about when you go outside during the day. This is a must if you want to keep those sneezes and sniffles to a minimum.
Ragweed, one of the main culprits behind fall allergies, tends to release its pollen early in the day – most heavily during the morning. So, if you suffer from allergies and are a rise-and-shine person who does things outside like yardwork, you’ll want to hang back a bit.
Scheduling your activities for later in the day will provide relief and can help you brave this season with a few less tissues.
How can monitoring daily pollen counts help manage allergy?
Keeping tabs on the daily pollen counts is a simple but effective way to manage your symptoms before they arrive. Knowing the day’s pollen outlook helps you plan outdoor activities for when pollen levels are at their lowest.
You can use local weather apps like The Weather Channel and pollen.com to get the latest forecasts. With them, you can smartly schedule your day, such as:
• Minimizing time outside when counts are high, especially in the early morning when pollen peaks.
• Closing windows and using air conditioning in your home and car to keep pollen at bay.
• Showering and changing clothes after spending time outside to eliminate pollen indoors.
Awareness and thoughtful planning will go a long way towards making your fall allergies more manageable.
What are the most common symptoms of fall allergies?
Suppose you’re among the unlucky millions facing ragweed and mold this season. In that case, you can expect the usual suspects to show up—irritating coughs, running noses like faucets, and itchy, irritated eyes.
What steps can you take to avoid allergy triggers during the fall?
Allergy experts advise taking extra precautions during the season, such as limiting your exposure to pollen by taking off outdoor clothing before bed or wearing sunglasses to prevent pollen from blowing into your eyes. See an allergist if your symptoms worsen or allergy treatments don’t work.
When all else fails, another way to help you avoid allergy triggers is to arm your home with sufficient air filtration methods. Ensuring you have the correct MERV air filters and replacing them consistently can go a long way towards preventing symptoms.
MERV 11 air filters capture mold spores, dust, and pollen at a high rate while allowing your HVAC to run optimally. However, before you get one, ensure it’s compatible with your system.
And if you desire an extra level of protection, investing in a solid air purifier will boost your indoor air quality and get rid of pollen. Solid features like True HEPA filtration will ensure the purifier removes contaminants that can affect your air quality level.
How can wearing hats, sunglasses, and masks help prevent allergy symptoms?
Wearing hats, sunglasses, and masks can minimize pollen contact with your eyes and hair. An N95 mask can also prevent pollen from aggravating if you’re mowing the lawn or tackling outdoor chores. Just make sure you remove these before coming indoors to avoid tracking pollen inside.
When is it important to visit an allergy specialist?
If your symptoms worsen or the over-the-counter treatments don’t seem to be working, see an allergist. This is crucial if you notice the symptoms changing in intensity or develop new issues like coughing or wheezing.
Pollen from trees and grass are the major triggers for spring allergy sufferers, but ragweed pollen is the typical trigger for most fall allergy issues. The fall allergy season “usually runs from mid-August until the first frost of the year, around early October, but if the frost is delayed, as is predicted for this year, the allergy season goes on indefinitely until it comes.”
Scientists have also argued that climate change is a source of the lengthening allergy seasons. Warmer weather leads to warmer, longer-lasting autumns, which in turn means that there’s less frost to destroy ragweed and prevent allergies. In addition, higher temperatures lead to a similar problem with spring allergies, including spring starting nearly a month early.
Dr. Clifford Bassett, Medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York, also notes that “single ragweed plant produces a million pollen grains, but if you expose it to greenhouse gases, it produces three to four times that much. So you have climate change making for a longer season, more plants and more potent pollen. It’s like a perfect storm.”
Allergy experts advise that you should take extra precautions this fall allergy season: “limit your exposure to the pollen, such as taking off outdoor clothing before coming into the bedroom or wearing sunglasses to prevent pollen from blowing into your eyes. Most importantly, if symptoms become severe or over-the-counter treatments don’t seem to be working, see an allergist.”
Staying Prepared Keeps The Fall Allergy Season in Check
Fall allergies can sneak up on you and before you know it, you’ll be dealing with aggravating symptoms. Simply by preparing for fall in advance by utilizing air filtration methods, protecting gear and apparel, as well as consulting an allergist will ensure you’rer in the clear this season!
For more information about fall allergies, check out these articles!
- How Proper HVAC Maintenance Can Help You Save BIG This Fall
- How Fall Can Affect Your Home’s Water and Air Filtration
- Furnace Filters: The Key to Staying Warm in The Fall and Prep For Winter!
[…] of a tough allergy season. As we’ve mentioned before, this season promises to be one of the worst allergy seasons yet . If you happen to live in a city with a high pollen count, or are very susceptible to […]