This week our pollen count went into the extremely high category - something above 9000. Everything outside is coated in a thin film of yellow and my watering eyes and running nose are seeking relief. The experts say that with the warmer than usual winter, more species will create pollen sooner than normal. The upside is that this “pollen season” should be shorter!
In the meantime, here are my Pollen Survival Tips for air, land, and sea – dedicated to those suffering with me:
Air
* Stay indoors as much as possible – especially in the morning when pollen counts are highest. Windy days are days to stay inside.
* Keep windows, doors, and garage doors closed. Check the latches, weather stripping, and thresholds to be sure that nothing unwanted is getting through to you. Don’t forget to keep the pet door closed when not in use!
* Change your air furnace filter. With the air conditioning running often, choose a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to capture the pollen from the air.
* Consider using an allergen remover or air purifier – especially in the bedroom to sleep more comfortably through the night.
* Vacuum frequently. Household dust has can exacerbate your suffering.
Land
* If you must be outside for any length of time, use a pollen-filtering mask.
* Wear sunglasses to keep particulates and pollen from getting your already watering eyes. Contact lens wearers may need to wear their glasses to give their eyes a break.
* If you know which sources of pollen affect you the most (for example trees or grasses), consider changing your landscape - later in the season after the pollen has gone of course. Keep the grass cut as low as is recommended for your type and consider planting other types of trees (that will not aggravate symptoms closer) to the house.
Sea
* Remove worn articles of clothing and wash promptly.
* Take a quick shower and wash your hair when arriving home at the end of the day to remove pollen from you.
* Wash your pet (or at least brush him or her); man’s best friend has hair-collecting pollen too.
Best wishes and remember that the pollen season only (thankfully) lasts a few weeks!!!
