The warm winter we experienced was nice. But, because it was warmer than your typical winter wonderland, this spring season may bring more than just warm weather. That’s right. We’re talking about spring allergies and asthma flare ups in full force!

Since the climate is changing, the pollen count levels may become stronger and last longer. What does that mean? More sneezing and watery eyes on days with high pollen count. It’s going to be an annoying itch that’s hard to get rid of. As some of you are worried about sneezing around co-workers, or fear it could be something else, let’s not confuse any of these spring allergy symptoms with symptoms of COVID-19. Yes, COVID-19 is still with us, but it might not be the only cause of your itch this season. 

AFC Urgent Care New Britain has created a guide for you to understand what's happening this spring season with allergy and asthma management tips. We’re also here to clear up any questions or confusions you may have about differentiating the symptoms between COVID-19 and spring allergies. 

How Does Pollen Trigger Spring Allergies?

Pollen is the grains or tiny seeds of flowering plants, trees, and grasses. These seeds can be carried on the wind and can cause various symptoms, or none at all, in individuals who are exposed to them. For people with hay fever, also known as “allergic rhinitis,” breathing in pollen can cause sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose. Pollen exposure can also result in “allergic conjunctivitis” in some individuals, causing red, watery, or itchy eyes.

Our changing climate has caused shifts in precipitation patterns, more frost-free days, warmer seasonal air temperatures, and more carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. These changes can affect:

• when the pollen season starts and ends and how long it lasts each year,
• how much pollen plants create and how much is in the air, and
• how pollen affects human health.

You can take extra precaution by checking the daily pollen levels online or on your local weather channel. 

What Can I Do to Prevent Allergy Triggers? 

If you are allergic to pollen, or if you have asthma you can take steps to protect yourself:

• Stocking up on inhalers because you may have more flare ups than usual!
• Check pollen forecasts on local news and online sources and plan to spend less time outdoors when pollen levels will be high.
• Take your allergy and/or asthma medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don’t touch your eyes while you are outside, and wash your hands when you go back inside (before you touch your eyes).
• Shower after being outside to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
• Change your clothes after being outdoors.
• Keep windows closed during pollen season.
• Use high-efficiency filters in your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Make sure your HVAC system can use high-efficiency filters and that they don’t violate the system’s warranty.

Keep in mind that COVID-19 and allergies do have overlapping symptoms, but there are differences. 

Spring allergies may cause:

• Sneezing
• Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)

Possible COVID-19 symptoms may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue

AFC Urgent Care New Britain is here to prepare you this spring season

Our providers at AFC New Britain are here to help relieve your allergies this spring season. Visit us, with no appointment (but always welcomed) needed 7 days a week, so you we can treat your asthma symptoms or allergies.

We also have multiple COVID-19 testing options such as rapid molecular, rapid antigen tests and standard PCR tests on a walk-in basis, or by appointment.

We hope you stay allergy and COVID free this spring season!