WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- The spring thaw has taken effect. Trees are getting greener and the flowers are blooming. This is a beautiful time of year, but for some it can be dreadful.
Nurse Practitioner Diane Hendel from CVS's Minute Clinic in Pentagon City says, "I had patients all over the last week who have been coming in complaining about allergy symptoms."
Pollen is already in the air, and the recent wet weather with snow is leading to higher levels of mold spores. For allergy sufferers, now is the time to take action. Hendel says over-the-counter meds simply treat the symptoms, but more powerful treatments can actually stop the sneezing from occurring.
"These are really effective prescription products that can actually stop the allergic response," adds Hendel.
There are a few steps that you can take around the home to help keep your sniffles to a minimum.
- Leave your shoes outside
- Dust around the house
- Don't open you windows in the spring
- Brush your pets often
- Vacuum more frequently
Stress can also be a factor. A new study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology shows stress can indeed make allergy symptoms worse.
