The Spectator The independent student newspaper of Valdosta State University
Written by: Jordan Hill
Break out your tissues and medicine−it’s allergy season.
Aa-choo! This sound is typically heard around town during spring when plants are blooming and pollen is painting vehicles. Allergy season is coming in fast, and after this year’s bout of rain, the pollen count is even higher.
While you may be grateful that the rain washes the yellow stain off your car, it first bursts the pollen particles, spreading them densely into the air.
Inhaling, eating or touching an allergen can result in different symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. In more severe cases, allergens can cause rashes or hives.
Each year, allergies account for more than 17 million outpatient office visits, primarily in the spring and fall.
There are no cures for allergies, but most allergies can be managed with proper prevention and treatment.
Experts have suggestions on how to best avoid allergens: stay indoors between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. (when the pollen count is highest), use an air conditioner or dehumidifier indoors, and avoid mowing the lawn or being around freshly cut grass.
If you continue to experience allergy problems, visit VSU’s Student Health Center (located at 200 Georgia Ave.) for further assistance.
the most obvious to do here is to Head to your drugstore for symptom relief. Your go-to meds may not work as well this year if your symptoms are worse, so you may need to experiment with other kinds, or use multiple drugs, to get relief. And if your allergies are severe, consider getting immunotherapy shots for long-term relief.