I think most people are ready for spring this year. Winter felt particularly difficult because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So what can we expect from spring? Is it time to say hello to allergy season? It feels like allergy season lasts all year - and technically it does. Watery eyes, stuffy nose, and other symptoms can be triggered year-round. So when does spring allergy season actually start? And more importantly, when can we expect it to end?
Below we look into spring allergy season 2021, explain the difference between allergy symptoms and COVID-19, and provide tips to help you get through the 2021 spring allergy season.
When Do Spring Allergies Start in 2021?
Spring allergies usually start with pollen and plants blooming. Factors like warmer-than-average winters and climate change can mean allergy season starts earlier and ends later. And that's true for some parts of the country. But in other areas, like Florida and Texas, cold weather hit later this year. This could push back allergy season at least a few weeks.
On the other hand, a warm and dry spring is expected. That sounds nice to many people, but if we're talking allergies, it tends to mean more pollen and a spike in allergy symptoms. It's important to keep an eye on your local weather and when blooming starts in your area. In general, there are different types of pollen to consider (like tree pollen, grass pollen, ragweed pollen). Tree pollen is typically in late March and April, and grass pollen isn't far behind it. Other types of pollen hit later in spring into summer.
Your Local Area
It's always a good idea to check your local weather, humidity levels and pollen range. You can also track your outdoor pollen levels with an air quality test and app. For example, the Airthings app tracks local pollen levels and works with all Airthings smart air quality monitors. Whatever the outcome in your area, now is a great time to get prepared if you are prone to seasonal allergies.
Spring Allergies 2021 and COVID-19
You're going to hear this a lot: "I can't tell if this is allergies or COVID." Go ahead and get ready for it. And if you don't have a thermometer, now is a good time to get one. Coughing, sore throats and feeling tired can be symptoms of both allergies and COVID-19. But typically seasonal allergies aren't associated with a fever. So if you're running a fever, your issue is likely not from allergies.
But rest assured: This doesn't mean you have COVID-19. You can contact your doctor or urgent care facility to be sure. Of course, following CDC guidelines is always a good idea when it comes to preventing and dealing with COVID-19. The good news: Wearing masks will likely translate to less allergy symptoms for many people. If you wear a mask outdoors, you'll protect your nose and mouth from airborne particles. Be sure to wash or clean your mask, or if you use disposable masks, change them more frequently during allergy season.
Tips for Dealing with Spring Allergies
Use these simple tips to avoid symptom-triggering pollen and breathe easier this spring:
Know Your Pollen Count
Keep an eye on the daily pollen count for your city. You can use our handy pollen alert tracker in our Learning Center to track your city’s daily reports. On days the count is high (120 or above), stay indoors if possible to keep pollen exposure to a minimum.
Close Your Windows
Although it’s tempting to open your windows and let fresh spring air indoors, it may not be the best thing for your symptoms. Keep windows and doors closed to avoid letting pollen spores circulate and settle inside your home.
Shower After Spending Time Outside
Take a shower after spending time outdoors to wash pollen out of your hair and keep it from falling onto your pillow.
Use An Air Purifier
Air purifiers, especially those that have HEPA filters, filter even the tiniest pollen spores out of your air along with other symptom triggers like dust, mold, and pet dander. With regular use, you can reduce and even eliminate your symptoms. Browse our air purifiers for allergies to see our top recommended models.
When to Expect Spring Allergies to End
So when do spring allergies go away? Unfortunately, the same qualities that make allergy season start earlier also makes them stay longer. April tends to be the worst month for most spring allergy-sufferers, but spring allergies typically last until early summer. It’s pretty easy to see why: That’s when most of the flowers and trees are blooming.
Tree pollen is the most common culprit for spring allergies. Grass and weeds also cause issues later in the spring allergy season. Most people see their allergy symptoms start to disappear by early June, but it can change depending on where you live in the country. The best idea is to be prepared and use our tips to fight them any time of year.
Additional Resources
- Best Virus and Bacteria Air Purifiers
- How to Allergy Proof Every Room in Your Home
- HEPA Vacuums: The Best Vacs for Allergy Sufferers
Do you suffer from allergies? Let us know how you deal with them in the comments below. And follow us on Twitter or Facebook for more information on seasonal allergies.
