With spring just starting, tens of millions of Americans with allergies are bracing for the return of sneezing, congestion, itching, and watery eyes as pollen fills the air.
The Winter Allergy Break Is Getting Shorter
- Tree pollen, generally lasting from February through April
- Grass pollen, from April through early July
- Weed pollen, from August to the first hard frost
“Because spring allergies can start as early as February, and weed pollen allergies can last as late as November, we’re really not having much respite from allergies,” says Dr. Gupta.
“Some people can definitely be ‘poly-sensitized’ or allergic to many different environmental allergens, so they may now only get a small break from allergies in the winter, and that break is getting shorter and shorter,” Gupta adds.
Allergy Predictions for 2025
In its allergy forecast for 2025 released last week, Accuweather notes that tree pollen is on the rise in southern U.S. states, but a cold start to the year in the eastern part of the country may keep tree pollen levels low in that region until later in the spring.
“Every region in the country is going to have its own unique, challenging pollen, but there are plants everywhere, and those pollens can travel hundreds of miles, so there’s really no safe place to be when it comes to seasonal allergies,” says Christopher Codispoti, MD, an associate professor of allergy and immunology at UTHealth Houston in Texas.
Worst Cities for People With Allergies
- Wichita, Kansas
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Richmond, Virginia
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Greensboro, North Carolina
How to Tell Allergies From a Cold
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
“Sneezing will occur with cold and flu, but with allergies you have more of a nasal itch, and the sneezing is often more frequent and intense,” says Dr. Codispoti.
He adds that itchy, puffy eyes are common with allergies but rare with a cold.
Mayo Clinic further notes that allergies rarely cause a sore throat, cough, or fever, while those can be signs of a cold, flu, or other respiratory virus.
Tips to Help Manage Allergy Symptoms
Discuss medication options with a healthcare provider. Many medication choices are available to treat allergy symptoms, but it can take expertise to find the right match for you. If antihistamines aren’t helping, an allergist may advise trying a nasal spray, for example.
“I find that a big part of my job is making sure that people understand how to use medications appropriately,” says Gupta. “If you’re trying different medications on your own and they’re not working, it might be time to see an allergist.”
Keep windows closed, if possible. Pollen can come through an open window and get into bedding and furniture, worsening symptoms. If you have to open windows at times, an air purifier or air conditioner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter can reduce airborne allergens.
Consider wearing a mask outdoors. If the pollen count is very high, a mask can help block allergens. Gupta says masking can be especially helpful when mowing the lawn or doing other yard work.
Take off shoes and wash clothes. Pollen can enter a home on shoes and clothes. After being outside, leave shoes at the door, and change and wash garments after outdoor activities.
Be cautious with pet contact. Dogs and cats that spend time outdoors can get pollen on their fur, so close contact may worsen symptoms. Bathe your pet regularly and wipe them off when they come inside to limit pollen exposure. Also, keep pets out of the bedroom.
Take a shower at night and wash your face. Before going to sleep, shower to remove pollen from your body so you’re not tracking it to your bed where you could be inhaling it all night. “Pollen can sit on your eyebrows, eyelashes, and in the nose, so rinsing off your face is super important,” says Gupta.
Consider a nasal rinse. Rinsing nasal passageways with a saline solution can flush out allergens and relieve sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.