April showers bring… pollen and allergy season!

April showers bring… pollen and allergy season! Tree pollens start in early spring and then grass pollen follows in later spring.

The Mayo Clinic lists distinctions between allergies and colds as well as comparisons with COVID-19 symptoms. It says that allergies and colds both usually have sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny or stuffy nose. Allergies never have a fever nor general body aches, and rarely come with a sore throat. Some actions to take to reduce contact with pollen include:

·      Keep windows closed during peak pollen times

·      Change AC filters

·      Remove shoes before entering your home

·      Wear sunglasses, a mask, and a hat or hair covering outdoors

·      Change and wash clothes after outdoor activities

·      Wash hair (if possible) after outdoor activities

·      Limit close contact with pets that spend a lot of time outdoors

·      Wipe pets off with a towel before they enter your home

·      Take a shower and wash hair before going to bed, to keep pollen from hair off of the pillow to prevent contact with face

We hope your springtime does not have many runny or stuffy noses, but is full of nosing about with running and stuff that is fun.

– Nurse Kandy, RN

LeafSpring School at Three Chopt