Spring is coming and we’re more than excited to put the winter behind us. But we are now approaching what some might call a, “severe” spring allergy season. Due to climate changes, pollen has already started blowing towards us. If that itch in your nose or your eyes is starting to get to you, then it's time to prepare and avoid allergy triggers. The pollen level this season may be heavier and longer lasting compared to the previous years, but that doesn’t mean we can’t prepare for it as the season progresses.
AFC Urgent Care Springfield is starting to see people come in for spring allergy relief. We’re also helping test people for COVID-19 to help rule that out too. It can be very confusing because some allergy symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms do overlap. We created a guide to help clear up any confusion you may have.
Why Is It A “Bad” Spring Allergy Season?
Unfortunately, spring allergies are here, early. Here are a few reasons why this allergy season may be affecting you.
Priming Effect: The “Priming Effect” occurs when temperatures shoot up and plunge quickly in a short amount of time. This causes people to be hyper-sensitive to the new pollen, and causes an increased sensitivity.
Warm Winters: Warm winters play an impactful part on allergies. Warm winters can also increase your allergy sensitivity.
Some of the symptoms of COVID-19 overlap with symptoms of spring allergies. The main symptoms of COVID-19 to worry about are these respiratory symptoms that can problematic for someone who has asthma:
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- Low grade fever
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
Symptoms that indicate it might be seasonal allergies are:
- runny nose
- Itchy, red watery eyes
- rapid sneezing
- clear mucus
- and sometimes even asthma symptoms
How Should I Prepare For Spring Allergy Season?
It's important to know how to protect yourself, particularly if you’re sensitive to pollen. Here are a few things that can help cut down on the severity of allergy season:
- If you’ve been outside, take a shower before you go to bed and change into fresh clothes so you don’t bring pollen onto your sheets that may have clung to your skin, hair or clothes.
- Limit outdoor activity to late afternoon: pollen counts are actually highest in the morning.
- It’s best to go outside after a good rain, as rain helps clear pollen from the air
- Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
- Wear a face mask if you do outside chores.
If you want to take extra precaution, you may want to check your tv or the internet for the pollen levels. Checking this on a daily basis can help you take an extra step towards fighting the spring allergies this season.
***You might also want to consider stocking up on inhalers if you’re asthmatic. Spring allergies may cause asthmatics to experience more flare ups than usual!
Find Allergy And Asthma Relief At AFC Urgent Care In Springfield
If you are experiencing seasonal allergies or related symptoms and want immediate relief, visit AFC Urgent Care in Springfield MA. We can treat spring allergies and asthma flare ups!
We are open 7 days a week and there is no appointment needed. We can also test you for COVID-19 to help rule that out too!
