Pollen levels near seasonal peak

Your vehicle is coated in a yellow-green film almost immediately after washing it; not to mention the itchy, watery eyes, near constant sneezing, and scratchy throat.  Ah, the joys of allergy season.

Tree pollen season is peaking and pollen levels are at a constant high, beaten back only by the spring rains that offer a short reprieve.  The wet weather has offered one such break on Thursday, but levels are expected to shoot back up, with Friday and Saturday nearly maxing out the scale.

(courtesy of pollen.com.)

As the tree pollen subsides around April, the grass pollen will flare up, followed by weed pollens in late summer and ragweed in the fall.  Depending on your sensitivities, allergy ‘season’ is practically a year-round event, especially in the South where winters are generally short and mild.

The Mayo Clinic suggests taking the following steps to mitigate the impact of allergies:

• Stay inside, especially early in the day, and keep doors and windows closed,
• Use an air purifier or dehumidifier to filter the air indoors,
• Clean your floors often,
• Try oral antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal spray to manage symptoms