Allergy season is in full force and the super bloom has everyone suffering from hay fever, itching, and sneezing. It’s not very pleasant for children with pollen-triggered asthma either. This is the time of year where I have so many tissues in my pockets, I forget to remove them when I wash my laundry and end up with a mess of tissue-lint all over my clothes in the dryer. Allergy sufferers, I know you can relate.

One of the things that is helping me to survive this season is using an air purifier in my bedroom at night. I have it on the highest setting but that doesn’t help me when I am outside during the day. I must take my over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicine to enjoy my time out with family and friends, but there is more that we allergy sufferers can do to survive.

Here are some tips from a popular OTC brand that might help you and your family survive the super bloom.

Focus on People – Not Pollen

Plan your outdoor activities for when the pollen count is low – usually, before 10 am or after 4 pm – so when you’re out with friends and family, you can just focus on enjoying your time together. Another good time to venture outside is after a heavy rain shower when most pollen has been washed out of the air.

Dress for the Occasion

When you’re outside, cover up with items like hats and long-sleeve shirts. Wearing sunglasses is also helpful, especially when it’s windy, so you can avoid any pollen or mold spores that are flying around.

Use An OTC Medication

Find an over-the-counter allergy medication that provides relief that won’t let you down when you’re out and about. Many of the OTC allergy medicines provide consistent, 24-hour allergy relief of indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms. Look for one that starts working hard at hour one and works twice as hard when you take it again the next day.

Leave Outdoor Allergens Outdoors

Once you’re done with your outdoor fun, put your clothes in the laundry basket right away, take a shower and wash your hair. This helps reduce the allergens that you track back into your home.

Assess What Makes You…Achoo!

Keep track of the local pollen count using an app, which provides notifications when pollen is high in your specific area. These apps will provide a pollen score that lets you know how that day’s allergens might make you feel, so you know what to expect before you even leave the house. 

Take precautions and prepare for the remainder of allergy season. Remember the above tips for relief.

Edited by Janice Robinson-Celeste