The main contributor to the fall pollen counts is ragweed pollen. Weed pollens are counted on a different scale than tree pollen. Although you will not see it in large numbers like you do in the spring, ragweed is the most allergenic of all pollens and can cause annoying symptoms that can last from late August until the first frost. Here are some tips for surviving those high pollen count days:
- Keep your car and house windows closed; run the air conditioner (recycled setting) instead.
- Change or clean your air filters regularly.
- Shower before going to bed or when you get home. Pollen can settle into your hair and onto your clothes and skin, so a shower will keep you from breathing in pollen all night.
- Wash off indoor pets’ paws and wipe down their fur with a damp cloth or towel if they’ve been outdoors. Pets can easily track pollen into your home, leaving it on your carpets and furniture.
- Avoid outdoor activities until early evening. Pollen counts tend to be highest in the mornings.
- If you have outdoor plans, take your allergy medication before going out. Don’t wait until you have symptoms.
- Follow Atlanta Allergy's pollen count and/or sign up to receive a daily email with the count and the pollen contributors. You may need to adjust your outdoor activities.
- See your board certified allergist for a proper diagnosis of exactly what’s triggering your symptoms and a treatment plan specifically targeting those allergens.
If you had trouble controlling your symptoms last season, schedule an appointment now to speak with an Atlanta Allergy physician to discuss new treatment options.