Pollen count today | Stay 1 step ahead of your hay fever (2024)

FAQs

What pollen is high today near me? ›

When Is The Pollen Count Low? On an average day, pollen counts rise during the morning, peak about midday, and then gradually fall. So the lowest pollen counts are usually before dawn and in the late afternoon to early evening.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is sometimes called “hay fever.” But, people with seasonal allergic rhinitis do not have to have a fever and do not have to be exposed to hay to develop this condition. It is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grasses and weeds.

Welcome to the AAAAI's National Allergy Bureau™ (NAB™), your most trusted resource for accurate pollen and mold levels. Please explore the map to find a counter station in your area. Click on the station heading to view the allergen report.

Spring (March, April and May)

Tree pollen, grass pollen and weed pollen are all kicking around in spring and summer – from March through to May. Tree pollen and grass pollen have peaks, so spring allergies and their symptoms could be more severe. Your spring hay fever symptoms might include painful sinuses and a cough.

Spring and fall are generally the worst months for allergies, as tree, grass, and weed pollens are prevalent. Winter and late summer or early fall can offer some relief, with reduced levels of certain allergens. Allergens vary by state and are influenced by climate, regional flora, and environmental conditions.

Despite what you might think, the rain actually makes allergy symptoms worse for most people, instead of better. That's because the rain bursts the pollen particles prior to washing them away, putting higher concentrations of particles into the air.

Maria Garcia-Lloret, MD, a UCLA Health pediatric allergist and immunologist, said light rain can clean pollution from the air and clear away pollen. But recent record-breaking rainfall has pummeled pollen into smaller particles that are more easily inhaled and reach deeper into the lungs.

Nasal steroids are often the first treatment doctors recommend. Some steroid sprays require a doctor's prescription, but three of them, budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), fluticasone (Flonase), and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24HR), do not.

Some symptoms of colds and allergic reactions are the same, such as a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. But there are differences. For example, people with seasonal allergies almost never have a sore throat or a cough. Viral infections, on the other hand, often do cause this symptom.

What is the best antihistamine for hay fever? ›

Many people use antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms. Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are two popular brands. They contain different compounds but appear to be equally effective. Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes, itchy skin, hives, and swelling.

Wichita, Kansas, came in at the top of the list for the second straight year thanks to the city's higher-than-average tree and grass pollen, higher-than-average medicine use, and low access to allergy specialists. Cities in Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma and the Carolinas dominate the list of worst places for allergies.

Let's see why your allergies may be acting up more than usual. Environmental triggers. Environmental factors play an important role in allergy symptoms. Increased pollution, air quality changes and outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores can create a perfect storm for heightened allergic responses.

Unlike regions where cold winters offer a respite from pollen, Florida's mild climate allows plants to produce allergens almost all year.

Oak trees, especially Bluejack Oaks are a severe allergen for Floridians. These trees are common throughout residential areas and parks — so the pollen potential is very high. Oaks cause real seasonal suffering for people with oak pollen allergies because the trees have a long period of pollen production.