Spring is in the air, which means warmer weather, brighter evenings and blooming flowers. All of these changes make people want to be out and about enjoying time with friends or getting in an outdoor workout. But then you are hit by sneezing, runny nose or itchy eyes, putting a damper on the fun.

Unfortunately, Spring brings pesky allergies, with pollen being the leading cause of most of these reactions. It is essential for new plants to reproduce and bloom and is carried in the air or by insects, birds, and animals and can, of course, attach to you as well!

What causes allergies?

For allergy sufferers, when they come into contact with pollen either through the nose, eyes or skin, the body considers it a foreign substance that is attacking the body.

In response, your immune system launches an attack, and bothersome symptoms are experienced. These can be confused with a cold or flu, especially if the weather is still a little chilly.

Allergy symptoms

• Itchy nose
• Runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Watery or itchy eyes

How can you manage your allergy reactions?

There are some ways to minimize pollen exposure, or take some measures if you want to run and not end up with a runny nose instead of a runners high! Here are six suggestions:

1. Check the pollen count in your area

Weather reports often give daily pollen levels in the air giving you a gauge of what to expect, and on higher days, limit your time outside.

2. Avoid exposure on windy days

Pollen blowing around more vigorously in the wind is a sure sign that you might experience difficulties and it’s better if you can limit time outside.

3. Workout in the evening

When possible, the evening is a better time to workout and avoid irritation as pollen counts naturally drop throughout the day.

4. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes

Glasses protect your eyes from pollen blowing directly into them. Wraparound styles are particularly effective. Some runners even use a scarf to cover their nose as well.

5. Wash your clothes regularly

Pollen can stay on your clothes and continue to irritate once you go inside. It also helps to take a shower after being outside to remove any pollen that has attached itself to your skin.

6. Keep car and house windows shut

Driving with your windows closed and similarly keeping your house windows shut stops pollen from accumulating in your environment. Also, avoid drying your laundry outside. All of these measures prevent dust from settling on materials in close contact with your skin.

After taking all these precautions you find that you are still suffering from symptoms, it may be worth looking into chatting with a doctor and discussing medications to manage and relieve your symptoms.

We know finding the time to go to the doctor can be a pain and we are here to help! With GOeVisit, it is fast and easy to register and receive medical care within minutes. Allowing you to enjoy and make the most of your free time, even with Spring allergies!