Spring allergies are on their way, if they haven’t started already. Pollen from trees tends to start blowing in the wind early in the spring, followed by pollen from grasses a month or two later. If your eyes haven’t started itching yet, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
Check in with your doctor
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If you see an allergist regularly—or if you haven’t but you’ve been meaning to—consider booking an appointment. You’ll have an easier time avoiding the specific things you’re allergic to if you know what they are, and an allergy test can help you figure out whether pollen is really your main concern or if your allergies are more likely linked to mold or dust. Different trees and plants bloom at different times, so a little knowledge can go a long way to avoiding allergens.
Refill any prescription medications that may have run out since last year. While you’re at it, ask about the best time to start taking them. Antihistamines work best if you take them before you start having symptoms, so some providers recommend taking your medications about two weeks before your allergies tend to flare up. If you aren’t sure what date that would be, take notes this year and set a reminder on your calendar for next year.
Do some spring cleaning
Dust is another common allergen, and dust can also harbor pollen grains that have blown in or been tracked in from outside. Cleaning your house can help to remove those allergens, whatever they may be. Wear a dust mask, like an N95 or similar if you have one, to keep from breathing in any of the dust you’re kicking up.
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Mold spores are another common allergen, and spring rains and humid weather can increase the amount of mold in your house, so keep an eye peeled for any moldy spots on walls that need to be cleaned or moldy objects that are better off in the trash.
Also, change the air filter on your furnace or air conditioning system. (Many are recommended to be changed every three months, but check the instructions for yours.) If you have an air purifier, check on its filter too.
Check out our room-by-room tips on allergy-proofing your home this spring, which range from small items like keeping your dog’s pollen-laden fur off your bed, to big ones like considering whether it’s time to rip up your carpets and switch to hardwood floors.
Watch pollen counts
Pollen blows around the most on dry, windy days, but rain tends to wash it away temporarily. You can find a pollen count and even a pollen forecast on most weather services; some even break down the forecast types into tree, grass, and ragweed pollens. (Ragweed is a fall allergy.)
When pollen counts are high, you’ll want to stay inside with the windows closed. As nice as a fresh breeze can be, it’s better for your allergies to just use an indoor fan or turn up the air conditioning a notch.