Allergy season is here; how to suffer less this year - WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC

Allergy season is here; how to suffer less this year

Your car is covered in pollen. So, imagine what all of that is doing to your sinuses!

Megan Monroe, a nurse practitioner with CVS’s Minute Clinic, recommends you start taking allergy medications before you start feeling the symptoms.

Monroe said this year’s allergy season is expected to be bad because of the mild winter we experienced in Southeast North Carolina.

Here are the signs you are suffering from allergies:

• Itchy eyes and nose
• More tears than normal
• Post nasal drip
• Runny, nose, clear (like water)
• Scratchy throat
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose

Monroe said you can avoid seasonal allergies by doing the following:

• Avoid being outdoors when pollen counts are high
• Change clothes after being outside
• Leave shoes outside since they track pollen around the house
• Don't bring clothes and shoes into the area where you sleep
• Keep windows closed and run the AC, even when it's mild
• Dust and vacuum regularly but try and get a family member who doesn't suffer from allergies to do so
• Use high-quality vacuum equipment with a high-efficiency filter. Replace bags when half full.
• Remember to change your AC filter regularly
• Consider purchasing a HEPA rated air purifier to remove allergens from the environment
• When you're not sleeping, cover pillows and mattresses with plastic
• If you have a child that suffers from allergies, then you need to minimize the number of stuffed animals they have

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