What's Going Around? - Spring Allergies

Spring has arrived and so has allergy season. Tree pollen is on the rise and recent warm temperatures are a reminder that people need to have a treatment plan ready.

Tree pollen is the biggest cause of spring allergy symptoms. Combine tree pollen with the grass pollen that arrives soon and more than 50 million allergic Americans are bracing themselves for sneezes and watery eyes.

You do not have to suffer without relief. Over-the-counter allergy remedies may help people with minor symptoms. For those with more severe allergic reactions, Patient First physicians may prescribe stronger treatments.

Allergy symptoms may also be reduced by:

• Closing windows and using the air conditioner to decrease the amount of pollen entering the home
• Minimizing outdoor activity between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. when pollen counts are the highest
• Using pollen-removing air filters and changing them regularly