A practical guide to preparing for allergy season, covering medications, home environment control, outdoor strategies, when to see an allergist, and long-term treatment options.
Begin daily antihistamine 2 weeks before your season typically starts
Preventive use is 40% more effective than reactive use. Tree pollen peaks March-May, grass pollen May-July, and ragweed August-October. Check your local pollen calendar and start medication 14 days before your known trigger season.
Start a nasal corticosteroid spray daily
Nasal sprays like fluticasone take 3-7 days to reach full effectiveness. Use it every day, not just when symptoms flare. Aim the spray toward the outer wall of your nostril, not the center. One bottle typically lasts 30-60 days.
Stock up on rescue medications
Keep eye drops for itchy eyes (antihistamine type works within 3 minutes), extra antihistamine tablets, and nasal decongestant spray for acute episodes. Decongestant nasal spray should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days to avoid rebound congestion.
Check expiration dates on all allergy medications
Most OTC allergy medications expire within 2 years. Expired antihistamines lose 10-20% potency per year past expiration. Replace anything within 3 months of its expiration date before the season starts.
Keep a nasal saline rinse kit
Rinsing your nasal passages with saline (neti pot or squeeze bottle) removes pollen and reduces symptoms by 30%. Use distilled or previously boiled water only; never use tap water, which can contain harmful organisms. Rinse once or twice daily during peak season.
Control Your Indoor Environment
Replace HVAC filters with MERV 11 or higher rated filters
MERV 11-13 filters capture 85-95% of airborne pollen particles. Replace filters every 60-90 days during allergy season (more frequently than the standard 90-day recommendation). A single filter costs $15-30 depending on size.
Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen days
Pollen counts peak between 5 AM and 10 AM on warm, dry, windy days. Closing windows during these hours reduces indoor pollen by 60-70%. Use air conditioning instead of open windows for ventilation.
Run a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom
A HEPA filter removes 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger, including pollen. Place it in the bedroom where you spend 7-9 hours sleeping. For a typical bedroom (150-200 sq ft), a unit rated for 200+ sq ft provides adequate coverage. Run it 24/7 during season.
Wash bedding in hot water weekly
Hot water (130°F/54°C or above) kills dust mites and removes pollen trapped in fabric. Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets every 7 days during allergy season. Use allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers for additional protection.
Vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum twice a week
Standard vacuum cleaners blow fine pollen particles back into the air. A HEPA-filter vacuum traps 99% of allergens. Focus on carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and under beds where pollen settles. Each session takes 15-20 minutes per room.
Outdoor Strategies
Check pollen counts daily before going outside
Free pollen count apps and websites report daily levels for your ZIP code. Counts above 50 grains per cubic meter are considered high. Schedule outdoor activities for afternoon or after rain, when pollen counts drop by 40-60%.
Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes
Wrap-around sunglasses reduce the amount of pollen reaching your eyes by 50%. Pollen particles are 15-100 microns; any close-fitting eyewear provides meaningful protection. This single step reduces itchy, watery eyes significantly.
Shower and change clothes immediately after being outside
Pollen clings to hair, skin, and clothing. A 5-minute shower removes 90% of pollen. At minimum, wash your face and hands and change your shirt. Never sit on your bed in clothes worn outside during high pollen days.
Avoid line-drying laundry outdoors during pollen season
Sheets and towels hung outside collect pollen on their surface. A single bedsheet can trap thousands of pollen grains in 4 hours of outdoor drying. Use a clothes dryer or indoor drying rack during peak allergy months.
When to See an Allergist
See an allergist if OTC medications do not control your symptoms
If you have used daily antihistamines and nasal spray for 2-4 weeks without adequate relief, an allergist can identify your specific triggers through skin prick testing (results in 15-20 minutes) or blood testing (results in 1-2 weeks).
Ask about allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots)
Allergy shots work by gradually desensitizing your immune system. Treatment takes 3-5 years but provides long-term relief in 85% of patients. Shots are given weekly for 6-12 months, then monthly. Most insurance covers them with a $15-40 copay per visit.
Discuss sublingual immunotherapy (allergy tablets) as an alternative
Dissolvable tablets placed under the tongue daily are available for grass, ragweed, and dust mite allergies. They are taken at home after the first dose in the doctor's office. Effectiveness is comparable to shots for the specific allergens they target.
Get evaluated if allergies trigger asthma symptoms
About 80% of asthma cases in children and 60% in adults are triggered by allergies. Warning signs: wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath during allergy season. Untreated allergic asthma worsens over time; early treatment prevents permanent airway changes.
Track and Manage Long-Term
Keep a symptom diary for at least 1 full allergy season
Log daily symptoms (sneezing, congestion, eye itch) on a 0-10 scale, along with pollen count and weather. After 1 season, you can predict your worst days with 70-80% accuracy and prepare accordingly.
Identify your specific trigger allergens
If symptoms peak in April, tree pollen is likely your trigger. If June-July, grass pollen. If August-September, ragweed. Knowing your specific triggers lets you time medications precisely and avoid unnecessary year-round treatment.
Review your allergy management plan annually with your doctor
Allergies can change over time; new sensitivities develop and some fade. Review what worked and what didn't after each season. Adjust medications, doses, and strategies before the next season starts. This 15-minute annual review prevents months of unnecessary suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does allergy season start and end?
Tree pollen season runs from February to May, grass pollen from May to July, and ragweed from August to November. In warmer climates, pollen can circulate nearly year-round. Climate change has extended U.S. pollen seasons by about 20 days and increased pollen counts by 21% since 1990. Check local pollen forecasts on pollen.com for real-time data in your area.
What is the best allergy medication to take daily?
Second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra) are the first-line choice for daily use. They are non-drowsy and work for 24 hours. For nasal congestion, a corticosteroid nasal spray like fluticasone (Flonase) is more effective than oral antihistamines. Start both medications 2 weeks before your allergy season begins for best results. Consult your doctor for advice specific to your situation.
How do I tell the difference between allergies and a cold?
Allergies cause itchy eyes and nose, clear watery discharge, and sneezing in bursts, and last as long as you are exposed to the allergen (weeks to months). Colds produce thicker yellow or green mucus, body aches, and sometimes a fever, and resolve within 7-10 days. If symptoms last more than 2 weeks without fever, allergies are the more likely cause.
Do air purifiers actually help with indoor allergies?
HEPA air purifiers capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger, which includes pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Place one in your bedroom (where you spend 8 hours) and run it continuously. Choose a unit rated for at least the square footage of your room. Studies show HEPA filters reduce airborne allergens by 50-70% within 30 minutes.
Should I get allergy shots or allergy drops?
Allergy immunotherapy (shots or sublingual drops) is the only treatment that changes your immune system long-term rather than just masking symptoms. Shots require weekly clinic visits for 3-5 years but reduce symptoms by 60-90%. Sublingual drops are taken at home but are FDA-approved only for grass, ragweed, and dust mites in the U.S. Consult your doctor for advice specific to your situation.