Pollen count today | Stay 1 step ahead of your hay fever (2024)

FAQs

What pollen is high today near me? ›

Hay fever triggers

Tree pollen, which is common in early spring. Grass pollen, which is common in late spring and summer. Ragweed pollen, which is common in fall. Dust mites and co*ckroach droppings, which are present year-round.

On an average day, pollen counts rise during the morning, peak about midday, and then gradually fall. So the lowest pollen counts are usually before dawn and in the late afternoon to early evening.

The months that register a higher pollen count are April, May and September. With the onset of winter, the pollen density drops away although allergy sufferers can still be affected by indoor allergens, such as dust, pet dander or mould spores.

Worst Cities and States for Allergies

States that have a lot of trees, grass, and weeds will have a lot of allergens. Areas in the Northeast U.S. like Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. Virginia, Kansas, and Texas have a high rate of allergens.

Environmental factors

Warmer temperatures have caused plants to blossom earlier and produce pollen longer than in previous decades. Air pollutants change pollen's elemental composition and damage its surface, making it more allergenic .

To make matters worse, unseasonably mild winters, warm springs and dry summers in recent years have led to plants growing more vigorously and a longer, stronger growing season. So, hay fever sufferers can experience symptoms from early spring until late autumn.

People with hay fever are more likely to develop sinus infections, and can have interrupted sleep that leads to extreme tiredness. Severe hay fever symptoms can affect learning in children and productivity in adults. Hay fever can also make it more difficult to control asthma in those who are more likely to get it.

Both loratadine and cetirizine are effective antihistamines for managing hay fever symptoms. The main difference is that cetirizine may be slightly more potent and faster-acting, while loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs and medication response.

Air purifiers may be able to help with allergy symptoms by removing small particles from the air, especially when combined with other strategies. For best results, make sure to look for a purifier with a true HEPA filter, a carbon filter, and an adequate clean air delivery rate (CADR).

Does wearing a mask help with pollen allergies? ›

Masks provide enough protection to block common allergens, including pollen, dust mites, and mold. However, they're not an effective choice for all seasonal or other allergies. Any mask can help reduce allergy symptoms, but surgical masks are often the best choice.

Pollen: Rain prevents pollen from traveling and can be a relief for some people with this common allergy. However, it can also increase pollen exposure when pollen is broken into smaller particles. Pollen counts also sometimes increase significantly right after rainstorms.

Studies have shown that children who grow up in rural areas, where they are more likely to be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis, have fewer allergies than kids who play primarily indoors in an urban or suburban environment.

Although exercise won't eliminate allergies completely, it will help reduce symptoms in most people. This is because physical activity leads to stronger blood flow, which helps flush allergens more quickly out of the body and reduce inflammation caused by them. Stretching and warm-ups can further lessen symptoms.

They're called "seasonal allergies" because each type of pollen has a season where they're most potent. Here's a general timeline of common pollen seasons: March through June is tree pollen season. June, July, and August is usually when the grass pollens are high, sometimes into September in a warm year.

Oak trees, especially Bluejack Oaks are a severe allergen for Floridians. These trees are common throughout residential areas and parks — so the pollen potential is very high. Oaks cause real seasonal suffering for people with oak pollen allergies because the trees have a long period of pollen production.

Due to the warm and rainy climate, plants thrive in Florida throughout the year. Without colder months during the winter, there is no break in pollen allergies for those living in Florida.