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April Showers and May Flowers: What You Need to Know About Allergy Season

Key Points

  • The arrival of spring can be a cause for concern for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, with symptoms such as itchy eyes, skin rashes, and headaches. The CDC estimates that up to 60 million people in the U.S. experience hay fever each year.
  • Allergy symptoms occur when the body identifies an allergen, such as pollen or dust, as a threat and launches an immune response. This can cause symptoms like nasal congestion, a runny nose, rashes or itchy eyes. Seasonal allergies are typically prompted by outdoor allergens like grass, weeds, and tree pollen.
  • There can be confusion between seasonal allergies and Covid symptoms. The best way to distinguish between the two is the length of symptoms. Allergy symptoms persist as long as the allergen is in the air, while Covid symptoms often last between three and five days.
  • To manage allergy symptoms at home, monitor pollen counts, use a dehumidifier or HEPA filter, and shake off your clothing when you come inside. Over-the-counter allergy medications are available, and for severe cases, treatments like immunotherapy, leukotriene modifier, and anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy are options.
  • Telehealth can be beneficial for managing seasonal allergies, especially for discussing medication, discussing new symptoms, prescription refills, or routine follow-ups. For severe or life-threatening symptoms, in-person visits are recommended.

Spring is finally upon us, bringing longer days and warmer temperatures. For many of us, this is cause for celebration! (Especially the estimated 10 million Americans who experience seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression associated with changes in seasons.) But for those who suffer from annoying allergy symptoms — itchy eyes, skin rashes and headaches galore — a field of blooming daffodils might be more cause for panic rather than joy

Data from the CDC indicates that up to 60 million people in the U.S. experience “allergic rhinitis” — also known as hay fever — each year. This can lead to symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose and congestion, according to the CDC. These symptoms are no fun, and we understand why even the thought of abundant pollen and grassy picnics would keep you firmly planted to your couch.

But the changing season doesn’t have to doom you to staying cooped up at home! Particularly after two years of the pandemic, you deserve to live your life. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help manage your symptoms. The team at Solv has compiled some tips and tricks of the trade so you can enjoy spring to the fullest.

April Showers and May Flowers: What You Need to Know About Allergy Season

Key Points

  • The arrival of spring can be a cause for concern for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, with symptoms such as itchy eyes, skin rashes, and headaches. The CDC estimates that up to 60 million people in the U.S. experience hay fever each year.
  • Allergy symptoms occur when the body identifies an allergen, such as pollen or dust, as a threat and launches an immune response. This can cause symptoms like nasal congestion, a runny nose, rashes or itchy eyes. Seasonal allergies are typically prompted by outdoor allergens like grass, weeds, and tree pollen.
  • There can be confusion between seasonal allergies and Covid symptoms. The best way to distinguish between the two is the length of symptoms. Allergy symptoms persist as long as the allergen is in the air, while Covid symptoms often last between three and five days.
  • To manage allergy symptoms at home, monitor pollen counts, use a dehumidifier or HEPA filter, and shake off your clothing when you come inside. Over-the-counter allergy medications are available, and for severe cases, treatments like immunotherapy, leukotriene modifier, and anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy are options.
  • Telehealth can be beneficial for managing seasonal allergies, especially for discussing medication, discussing new symptoms, prescription refills, or routine follow-ups. For severe or life-threatening symptoms, in-person visits are recommended.

Spring is finally upon us, bringing longer days and warmer temperatures. For many of us, this is cause for celebration! (Especially the estimated 10 million Americans who experience seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression associated with changes in seasons.) But for those who suffer from annoying allergy symptoms — itchy eyes, skin rashes and headaches galore — a field of blooming daffodils might be more cause for panic rather than joy

Data from the CDC indicates that up to 60 million people in the U.S. experience “allergic rhinitis” — also known as hay fever — each year. This can lead to symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose and congestion, according to the CDC. These symptoms are no fun, and we understand why even the thought of abundant pollen and grassy picnics would keep you firmly planted to your couch.

But the changing season doesn’t have to doom you to staying cooped up at home! Particularly after two years of the pandemic, you deserve to live your life. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help manage your symptoms. The team at Solv has compiled some tips and tricks of the trade so you can enjoy spring to the fullest.

What’s happening in your body when you have an allergic reaction?

To start, an allergen is a miniscule airborne particle such as pollen or dust. You experience allergy symptoms when your body mistakenly identifies an allergen as a threat — and then kicks into protection mode by launching an immune response, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Antibodies, or immune system proteins, bind to the allergen in order to fight it. The chemicals released by your immune system can cause symptoms that you might think of as “allergies” — like nasal congestion, a runny nose, rashes or itchy eyes, explains the Mayo Clinic.

What makes allergies “seasonal?”

When people reference “seasonal allergies,” they typically mean allergies that are prompted by outdoor allergens such as grass, weeds and tree pollen. These substances are typically more abundant in specific months of the year, as well as in particular locations according to the Mayo Clinic. This means that you might experience allergies differently if you live in North Carolina, for example, versus California.


Is asthma the same thing?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America notes that in some people, the chemicals that your immune system releases (called immunoglobulin) can cause symptoms affecting your airways and lungs. When the body releases too much immunoglobulin, you may experience swelling of the airways in your lungs. This can lead to an asthma attack.

Among the reported 25 million Americans who have asthma, “allergic asthma” is the most common type (other kinds of asthma with different triggers include exercise, infections, stress, gastroesophageal reflux, cold air and more). Some people may have more than one trigger for asthma.

How can you tell if you have allergic asthma? Your provider can perform skin or blood tests to confirm and may add in-office pulmonary function tests to diagnose asthma more accurately. Common triggers for allergic asthma include cockroaches, dust mites, mold, pets and pollen, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

How can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and Covid?

Gauging your symptoms may feel a bit tricky, as there could be overlap between Covid symptoms and allergy symptoms. Symptoms of the latest variant Omicron include a sore or scratchy throat, runny nose, sneezing and headache, among others.

NBC News notes that one way to distinguish between Covid and allergies is the length of your symptoms. Symptoms of Omicron often last between three and five days for many patients, according to NBC News. On the other hand, allergy symptoms will persist so long as the allergen is in the air, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

The best way to tell is by playing it safe and testing frequently for Covid, whether with at-home tests or by booking an appointment for a PCR test, according to the CDC’s recommendations. If you don’t know where to turn, Solv can help you find convenient, accessible Covid testing near you.

What can you do to ease your symptoms at home?

There are plenty of things you can do to reduce the negative impact of allergy symptoms on your day-to-day activities. Here are a few tips, sourced from the Mayo Clinic:

  • Monitor pollen counts near you. Plan when you’ll stay inside during peak pollen hours or high-pollen days, and keep windows closed during these times (Pro tip: Check out trackers like this one from The Weather Channel to search allergens in your specific zip code).
  • Use a dehumidifier or install a HEPA filter to keep the air dry and clean in your home.
  • Shake off your clothing when you come inside and shower when you get home so that miniscule pollen particles don’t get stuck to your hair, skin and clothing.

 

What about medication?

Over-the-counter allergy medications are available, as well as other treatments for those with severe allergies.

Many find relief with steroid nasal sprays, and you can begin this regiment before pollen season launches into full swing. You can also buy allergy medications such as oral antihistamines, decongestants or a combination, according to the Mayo Clinic. You might have to sample a few to figure out which works best for you.

If over-the-counter steroid sprays or allergy pills aren’t working, consider talking to your provider about more intensive treatment options, such as:

  • Immunotherapy, which involves exposing your body to small amounts of the allergen that will trigger symptoms. The goal is to reduce your immune system response over time as you build a tolerance, according to the Mayo Clinic. While immunotherapy is typically thought of in the form of “allergy shots,” it can also be available in a liquid form called sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT. For this treatment, you place liquid drops or a tablet under your tongue (“allergy drops”), according to Verywell Health.
  • Leukotriene modifier, which consists of pills that can help control the chemicals that your immune system releases during an allergic reaction, according to the Mayo Clinic.
  • Anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy. This involves medication that will interfere with your body’s production of histamines and other chemicals that lead to allergic reactions, according to the Mayo Clinic.

How telemed can help you during allergy season

If you’ve experienced seasonal allergies in the past, it might be helpful to connect with your provider before you start having symptoms as some medications can take a few days to start working. Your provider can help you develop a game plan and explore which testing and treatment options work best for you.

Can I do a video visit for allergies? Telehealth can be beneficial if you have questions about your allergy medication or a non-emergency side effect, want to discuss new symptoms that are not severe, need prescription refills or for routine follow-ups to monitor chronic allergies, according to Verywell Health. Video visits can be a great option to help differentiate other causes of allergy symptoms.

On the other hand, you should see a provider in person if you have severe or life-threatening symptoms, are experiencing anaphylaxis, require testing or need a biopsy of a skin rash, notes Verywell Health


To get a jumpstart on your seasonal allergy plan, Solv can help you find and book same-day doctor visits. With Solv Now, you can get connected to exceptional virtual providers in as little as 15 minutes, 24/7, for only $79 per visit

Frequently asked questions

  • What is an allergic reaction and what happens in the body during one?

    An allergic reaction occurs when your body mistakenly identifies an allergen, such as pollen or dust, as a threat and launches an immune response. Antibodies, or immune system proteins, bind to the allergen to fight it. The chemicals released by your immune system can cause symptoms like nasal congestion, a runny nose, rashes or itchy eyes.
  • What are seasonal allergies?

    Seasonal allergies are allergies that are triggered by outdoor allergens such as grass, weeds and tree pollen. These substances are typically more abundant in specific months of the year, as well as in particular locations. This means that you might experience allergies differently depending on where you live and the time of year.
  • Is asthma the same as allergies?

    No, asthma is not the same as allergies. However, in some people, the chemicals that your immune system releases during an allergic reaction can cause symptoms affecting your airways and lungs, leading to an asthma attack. Allergic asthma, triggered by allergens like cockroaches, dust mites, mold, pets and pollen, is the most common type of asthma.
  • How can I distinguish between seasonal allergies and Covid-19?

    One way to distinguish between Covid-19 and allergies is the duration of your symptoms. Symptoms of Covid-19 often last between three and five days, while allergy symptoms will persist as long as the allergen is in the air. The best way to confirm if you have Covid-19 is to get tested.
  • What steps can I take at home to ease my allergy symptoms?

    You can monitor pollen counts and stay inside during peak pollen hours or high-pollen days, use a dehumidifier or install a HEPA filter in your home, and shake off your clothing and shower when you come home to remove pollen particles.
  • What medication options are available for allergies?

    Over-the-counter allergy medications such as steroid nasal sprays, oral antihistamines, and decongestants are available. If these aren't effective, you can talk to your provider about more intensive treatment options like immunotherapy, leukotriene modifiers, or anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy.
  • How can telemedicine help me during allergy season?

    Telehealth can be beneficial if you have questions about your allergy medication or a non-emergency side effect, want to discuss new symptoms that are not severe, need prescription refills, or for routine follow-ups to monitor chronic allergies. It's a convenient way to connect with your provider, especially for non-emergency concerns.
  • What should I do if I have severe allergy symptoms?

    If you have severe or life-threatening symptoms, are experiencing anaphylaxis, require testing or need a biopsy of a skin rash, you should see a provider in person. It's important to seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms.

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