Spring Has Sprung, and So Have My Allergies

You might have seasonal allergies if:

You have a box of tissues in every room. And your car. And your desk at work.

Looking at a picture of a field full of wildflowers makes you sneeze.

Your kids know better than to bring nature inside. It’s not a love offering- it’s an invasion of your personal, pollen-free space.

Your daily allergy medication is as essential as your morning coffee,

and you check the pollen count before you look at the actual weather.

Spring is here- and with it, comes the hassle of allergies for 35 million Americans. The Fox and I are two of those Americans, and springtime is rough. I’ve teamed up with CVS MinuteClinic to provide you with some tips and tricks to help get you through until the summer heat scorches the offending pollen away. (Scientifically, I’m pretty sure this is not what actually happens. BUT. Once it gets hot & dry, life is easier).

How Do You Know If It’s Allergies?

Allergies come on suddenly– one morning you wake up feeling great, by lunch time you could be a sneezing and sniffling mess. Other than the histimine reaction happening though, you probably feel ok.

A virus or other infection may cause body aches or fever– seasonal allergies do not.

Itchy eyes that just itch and water are probably “allergy eyes”. Itchy eyes that look glassy or give discharge are not.

Still not sure if you’re suffering from seasonal allergies? Stop by a MinuteClinic, where their helpful, trained professionals can asses your symptoms.

 

Over the years, I’ve learned some tips that make this time of year tolerable. It mostly involves cleaning clothes, cars and myself on the regular.

CVS MinuteClinic has complied some ideas as well- this time of year they are primed to help the red-eyed, sneezy customers searching for relief. With these tips, you could be on your way to a #SneezeFreeSpring.

First, determine if it’s allergies! If this is not your first rodeo, you just KNOW.

Consult your doctor or swing by a Minute Clinic to discuss medical treatment options. OTC meds have come a long way in the 25 years or so that I’ve been dealing with allergies. Couple that will a nasal saline and plenty of water, and you’ll be feeling better fast. There are prescriptions available when appropriate as well.

Be pro-active, and get your family to be the same – pollen is microscopic, and it’s invasive.

• Put clothes you’ve worn outside in the hamper.
• Don’t wear your outdoor shoes in the house.
• VACCUUM.
• Wash your hair daily.
• For the love of goodness, do not use hair gel. That’s like walking around with fly paper on your head, just asking for pollen to stick to it. 
• Do wear sunglasses- that fine coat of dust that’s on them this time of year? That’d be the pollen that’s NOT in your eyes.
•  Change your sheets, especially pillowcases, frequently.
• If your allergies are severe, don’t open the windows- use your air-conditioner when it’s too warm for heat.

Thankfully, spring allergies don’t last forever. Once nature’s done doing what it does, it will be time to enjoy summer! (I. CAN.NOT.WAIT.)

Disclosure: Thanks to CVS MinuteClinic for sponsoring today’s discussion, and for stocking everything we need to survive this season!