Raleigh, NC – March means we’re closer to the hottest spring weather, as well as the pollen allergies that come with it. More people with allergies can save money on medications by using something they probably already have: a good quality mask.
Every year, WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell closely monitors the presence of pollen.
“They start appearing in March, but it’s really when we get to mid-March that we see them climbing,” Campbell said of airborne allergens.
As the levels peak, so does Campbell’s own allergy symptoms. Like many others with pollen allergy, it develops itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion. “I suffer. I take everything. I have the eye drops. I have the over-the-counter allergy medicine, the nasal spray, all of that,” said Campbell.
Most people can find relief from low-cost, over-the-counter medications, but many allergy sufferers are looking for drugs prescribed by allergists like Dr. Gurdev Judge at the Allergy, Asthma and Sinusitis Center.
For him, the season has already started. “We are very busy now in the past few days; in the past two weeks,” said the judge.
The judge says he prescribes medications for people with severe allergies. He also recommends OTC products, such as nasal sprays, decongestants and eye drops.
Another option can be found in the same masks that people normally use to prevent COVID-19. He says the masks can also help reduce dependence on allergy medications.
The judge recommends KN95 masks. “This is a good compromise. It kind of protects you and less pollen passes through your nose.” He also says that well-worn goggles or sunglasses can help prevent pollen from getting into the eyes.
He also recommends taking a shower and changing clothes after spending time outdoors.
Campbell says that as pollen counts become a bigger part of WRAL’s predictions, masks will be a bigger part of your allergy arsenal. “I mean, I’ll be wearing my mask anyway, but if it helps me this year, it could be something that I do well in the future,” she said.
Campbell says tree pollens peak in late March and the first week of April, but then grass and weed pollens take over and continue until May.