Allergy Season: Simple Ways to Stay Comfortable
USAMon Mar 23 2026
The spring and summer months bring a wave of pollen that can make many people feel runny noses, itchy eyes, and constant sneezing. Where a person lives, what plants they are sensitive to, and their daily habits all shape how bad the symptoms become. Scientists warn that warmer temperatures are stretching allergy seasons longer, but new medicines give many relief.
Cities with the highest pollen counts and most people buying over‑the‑counter meds rank at the top of a yearly list made by an allergy group. This year’s worst places include Boise, San Diego, Tulsa, Provo and Rochester.
Pollen is the tiny powder that trees, grasses and weeds release to reproduce. In early spring tree pollen such as birch or oak is common, then grasses in mid‑summer and weeds later. Knowing which plants produce the most trouble helps people plan.
Tracking pollen is easy now: a national network of stations publishes daily counts on a website and through email. When the numbers are high, it’s best to stay inside.
The first defense is avoidance. Keep windows shut in the house and car, even when sunny outside. If you must go out, wear long sleeves to keep pollen off skin and protect from sun. After returning home, change clothes, shower, and rinse hair to remove pollen dust. A simple hat or scarf can keep pollen out of the head if a shower isn’t possible right away. Rinsing eyes and nose with saline spray also helps.
When symptoms appear, over‑the‑counter nasal sprays can be very effective if used correctly. Instead of pushing the tip straight up, aim it toward the ear side to avoid irritation. Oral antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec work too, but they may take longer to kick in.
If allergies keep you from sleeping well or focusing at work, seeing a specialist might be worth it. Doctors can prescribe treatments that train the immune system to ignore pollen triggers.
Social media tips such as eating local honey have been shown not to help, because the pollen bees carry is different from airborne pollen.
The longer growing seasons caused by climate change mean more days with high pollen levels, making allergy season tougher than ever. The most recent year was one of the hardest on record in the Southeast.
