Fighting Fall Allergies
We all know seasonal allergies are particularly bad in the spring, but more than 35 million Americans also suffer from similar symptoms and illnesses as a result of fall allergies.
Fall allergies can include things like mold, pollen and weeds, but the most common cause of fall allergies is ragweed. Depending on where you live, ragweed-fueled fall allergies can start as early as August or September and can continue through November.
Because pollen grains are lightweight, they spread easily through the air. This means that the more wet and windy the fall season is in your area, the worse you�re likely to feel as pollen spreads more easily in these conditions. .
Since a single ragweed plant can produce up to one billion grains of pollen per season, it is important to take proper precautions. Don�t allow allergies to get in the way of pumpkin picking, football games and raking leaves this season.
Here are some simple things you can do this fall to prevent getting sick.
� � Monitor your local pollen count. Most local newspapers, TV news websites and weather apps publish a daily report
� � Stay indoors as much as possible, especially during peak hours (mid-morning to early afternoon)
� � Keep home and car windows completely closed
� � Take off your shoes and jacket before entering your home to ensure you aren�t tracking pollen into your home
� � Wash your clothes, linens and curtains regularly
� � Bathe your pets frequently, especially outdoor dogs and cats as they can carry the pollen on their fur