Seasonal allergies are very common for both children and adults in the United States. According to the CDC, more than 24 million people in the U.S suffer from seasonal allergies. As the spring season begins to peak, seasonal allergies like hay fever are likely to become more cumbersome for patients.

During the spring and early summer, dry and windy air is more likely to spread out common allergy trigger much further including pollen, dust mites, air pollutants, and similar allergens. But the good news for patients is that seasonal allergies are easy to manage with some prevention techniques.

Additionally, patients will want to ensure that they have the appropriate treatment options available if they start to experience symptoms at a higher than normal frequency. So what should patients do to control their seasonal allergies?

Build an action plan to help avoid certain triggers

An allergy action plan is a great way for most patients to manage any possible seasonal allergy triggers. But what exactly is an allergy action plan?

An allergy action plan is a specific prevention guide created by you and a trusted medical provider to help you avoid allergies. In general, an allergy action plan should explain behaviors and situations that reduce contact with allergens.

A couple of basic, but effective, measures to include in your allergy plan includes:

• Limiting outdoor activity during days with higher-than-normal pollen counts. Additionally, try and avoid areas that has above average pollutants in the air.
• Frequently dusting counter tops and cleaning other surfaces in your household. A cleaner household can lower your chances of having allergy triggers build up.
• Taking a shower after going outside on high-pollen days. Washing off any pollen or other airborne allergens greatly reduces the spread of indoor allergy triggers.
• Using air conditioning units to cool down your home instead of leaving windows open. In addition, make sure to frequently clean air conditioning units to avoid spread of dust, pollen, and mold.

Use urgent care whenever your seasonal allergy symptoms won’t stop

If your seasonal allergy symptoms continue to bother you, then make sure that you are taking the time to fully evaluate your treatment options.

Most patients should try a nearby urgent care center to help alleviate some of the more troubling allergy symptoms. Urgent care usually offers more affordable visit costs, faster wait times, and more convenient hours than other types of medical facilities.

Additionally, patients that live near the Bedford, MA area should schedule a visit at AFC Urgent Care Bedford if they have allergy symptoms! Patients can always visit us as a walk-in patient without the need for an appointment or call us directly at 781.430.8161.