Health & Fitness

This Allergy Season Predicted To Be One Of The Worst

Somerset based allergist talks about what you can do to prepare for the allergy season.

SOMERSET, NJ — The 2018 spring allergy season is-predicted to be one of the worst thanks to all the recent snow and wet weather.

“For us we had a very, very wet winter. Usually we have dry air, which helps suppress mold growth but the wet makes it spread,” said Dr. Stacey Galowitz, allergist and immunologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Somerset.

The wet ground has also helped to support tree growth. The trees are very well-fed with nutrients this year.

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“Once it gets warmers we are going to have an explosion of tree pollen within the the next week,” Galowitz said.

As many allergy sufferers know, this is not good news. But there is a way to get ahead of this.

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“First of all don’t open windows even though it’s nice, beautiful weather,” Galowitz said. “This will allow pollen to spread into the house or car. Use an air purifier and make sure it is updated and has a clean filter.”

Galowitz also recommends changing clothes, taking a shower and bathing pets as soon as you get inside.

“When you are outside pollen gets stuck to hair and clothes then when you go to bed it transfers into the home environment.

Additionally, start taking your allergy medications now.

“A lot of medications work better before the season gets underway, if you wait until after symptoms develop it will be too late. You need to get ahead of them,” Galowitz said.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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