Allergies can be seen year-round, but spring is a time that is especially difficult for those who suffer from allergies. Around this time, there is an increase in allergen production, the largest being pollen, and when these particles get into one’s immune system, they can trigger a reaction.

“My eyes get really tired and heavy and my sinuses swell and hurt,” senior Nick Bellem said. “I also get a sore throat and headaches if they get really bad.” 

Sadly, allergy season has begun early this year. Although, this shouldn’t frighten those who suffer from allergies as there are many ways to overcome the season. 

Firstly, you should consult with your doctor or an allergist to discover more about your situation and the cause of your allergies. 

“There’s a wide range of allergy medication at the pharmacy, so it’s best to check with your doctor to see what is best for your symptoms.” Pharmacist Natalie Kim said.   

However, as mediation can only do so much, there are other things you need to be cautious about. 

“When I go outside, I make sure to stay away from areas with a lot of flowers or where grass is being cut,” senior Alan Nguyen said. 

Make sure to clean your house regularly to remove any dust or pollen that may trigger your allergies. Along with that, keep any windows or doors closed to avoid pollen getting in.  

Another precaution is removing your clothes after being outside and taking a shower to remove any leftover pollen from your body. 

Ironically with our circumstances, a mask can provide a lot of help with your allergies. Many doctors recommend N95 respirators because they block around 95% of particles in the air that can trigger your allergies.  

Experiencing seasonal allergies means you should be aware of the surroundings and the weather. Luckily, there are many websites and apps that can help. 

The app, WebMD Allergy, alerts you when you are in areas with high amounts of allergens and allows you to track your symptoms and medications. Aside from that, the app also provides an extensive library of materials you can read about treating your allergies. 

Another resource is Pollen.com, which provides allergy reports of locations. The reports consist of top allergens in the area and the pollen count. 

“My allergies have a small impact on my health, but as I take my medicine and take precautions, I don’t let it control my life,” Bellem said.