Spring is here, Bucs! With spring comes longer days, warmer weather, and everyone’s least favorite thing: pollen. The yellow, powdery substance that seems to blanket the entire Southeast in the spring has returned. If you suffer from seasonal allergies and have noticed them getting worse in the last few years, you’re not going crazy. Climate change has led to winters getting warmer, resulting in fewer freezes in the winter months. Research from Climate Central has shown a 19-day increase in freeze-free winters in the Southeast United States. The longer plants have time to grow, the longer pollen season lasts.
While most of the United States struggles with pollen, the Southeast U.S. tends to rank amongst the worst places for seasonal allergies in the country. If you’re struggling with seasonal allergies, there are a variety of ways you can manage them. First, check the pollen count before you head out for the day–most weather apps/websites have a pollen count feature. This is a great, low-cost way to determine how long (if at all) you should spend outside. Investing in an air purifier for your dorm or apartment is also a great way to reduce dust and pollen that may collect in your space. Before turning to over-the-counter medications, consider consulting with a doctor to ensure you’re on the right medicine for you. Saline sprays are a great non-medicated remedy to help with nasal congestion. Eye drops can also help with irritation and itchiness. If you’re outside frequently and know that you’re sensitive to pollen, make sure you’re changing your clothes as soon as you get home to minimize the spread of pollen in your dorm/apartment. Keeping windows closed in cars and rooms also helps as well.
If your seasonal allergies become unbearable, though, consider seeing a doctor. Receiving specialized recommendations from a medical professional can lead to better relief from your symptoms as opposed to just blindly picking up allergy medicine at the store. Enjoy the warmer weather, Bucs, and stay healthy!
