Allergy season is right around the corner, and it comes even more quickly in the South. Preparing now for spring sneezes helps you avoid irritation and days off work. Here’s how to make it easier to enjoy the warmer weather with treatment, when necessary, from a walk-in clinic.

How to Handle Allergies

1. Stay Inside on Windy Days

If possible, avoid being outside on windy, dry spring days. Wind circulates pollen, so keep your outdoor time to a minimum when it’s breezy. Right after a rain is the best time to be outside because rain clears the air by washing pollen away. 

2. Remove Outerwear When Indoors

Pollen clings to just about everything. To keep it outdoors, take off your shoes and outer garments near the door when you step inside. Showering, washing your hair, and laundering outdoor clothing more frequently during pollen season helps reduce allergy symptoms. 

3. Close Windows

Pollen travels through the air and invades homes and workplaces. Keeping windows and doors closed in high-pollen zones helps you stay comfortable when inside. Vacuum frequently using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and change HVAC filters often to remove traces of indoor pollen. 

4. Take Over-the-Counter Medication

If you develop itchy, watery eyes or a runny nose, try a nonprescription oral antihistamine. Eye drops may relieve redness and irritation, and an over-the-counter decongestant or nasal spray should clear a stuffy nose. Some medications provide relief for a combination of symptoms. Read the labels and warnings to ensure you’re not allergic to any ingredients, and take only as directed. If you need additional help to manage allergic reactions, see a health care provider at a walk-in clinic for non-life-threatening conditions. 

When you need help controlling allergy symptoms, turn to Robertsdale Urgent Care in Baldwin County, AL. Their skilled team welcomes patients of all ages to their walk-in clinic, providing health care services to prevent and treat allergy flare-ups in addition to many other illnesses and injuries. Find out more about about how they’ll help your family stay healthy and strong online, or call (251) 947-3591 today and schedule an appointment.