The weather is finally warming up, but pollen counts and other spring allergens that can make life miserable are already making life miserable. And according to a recent article in the AARP Bulletin, “our changing climate is affecting pollen counts, pollen sources, even the spread of plants. As a result, allergies are more frequent -and more severe.”
The pollen counts are the highest between 5am and 10am, so limiting your outside exposure during those times can be extremely helpful for diminishing your allergies.
Be consistent with your allergy medications for best results. Come see us at any IEP Urgent Care location. Walk-in or make an appointment online at any of our locations in Bloomfield Hills, Brighton, Jackson, Novi, and Southfield. An IEP provider can help you determine your best treatment plan, offer suggestions, and get you the right prescription for your needs.
If you suffer from spring allergies, prevention should be an important part of your treatment plan. www.pollen.com offers these great suggestions to help you or someone you love minimize exposure:
Keep your windows closed in your home and car to avoid letting in pollen, especially when the local pollen count is high. Set your air conditioners to re-circulate in your home and vehicle, to avoid drawing in outside pollen-rich air.
Limit exposure on mornings that are especially warm and dry; these will usually be the high pollen count days. Days that are dry and windy also have high pollen counts. The best time for outdoor activities is immediately following a heavy rainfall.
Avoid line drying your clothes and bedding outdoors when pollen count is high.
Wash your face and hands after you’ve been outside to remove pollen. Change and wash clothes if exposed to pollen. Bathe and shampoo hair daily before going to bed to remove pollen from hair and skin to keep it off bedding. Wash bedding in hot, soapy water once a week.
Minimize contact with items that have encounter pollen, such as pets and people that have spent a large amount of time outdoors.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen, and in severe allergy cases, wear a facemask when daily pollen counts are extremely high. Those masks that helped during COVID can also keep allergens from making you miserable.