Spring is in the air and so is pollen! March 20th is technically the beginning of spring, even if the ground is still covered in ice and snow. With the sporadic climate changes we are seeing, spring allergy season is starting early this year.
If you often suffer from seasonal allergies, you would be one of the first to know that spring season comes with itchy eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. The higher the pollen count, the more likely a person is to experience symptoms. 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’s confusing these days, we know!
Spring Allergy Season has begun!
How Can I Manage My Spring Allergies?
To alleviate symptoms, you can take many medications over the counter including antihistamines, eye drops, decongestants, or nasal sprays. Stronger medicines can be prescribed if necessary.
You can also try any of these tips for alleviating and avoiding allergy triggers:
- Limit pollen exposure by avoiding outdoors when pollen count is really high
- Rinse your nasal passage
- Reduce indoor allergen exposure by doing spring cleaning
- Shower immediately when coming home from the outdoors. Pollen could be on your clothes.
But…Is It Spring Allergies Or Another Wave Of COVID-19?
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
The good news is we’re now seeing a decline in cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. The spike and most recent wave of COVID-19 started before the winter holidays, and is waning now, thank goodness! If you have an itch in your nose, then chances are it might be spring allergies. If you want assurance that it’s just allergies, do yourself a favor and get tested.
Find Allergy 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 are a walk-in center that can identify and treat your condition in an expedited manner. 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! AFC in Springfield is open 7 days a week with no appointment needed.
