Love is in the Air, and so is Pollen: Your Guide to a Sneeze-Free Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air, but pollen is, too. Learn how to manage allergy symptoms this February so you can have a sneeze-free Valentine’s Day.

Love may be in the air this month, but so is pollen. If you think seasonal allergies are only a concern in the spring and fall, you’re wrong: They can start as early as February.

But you needn’t let sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes dampen your Valentine’s Day plans. Taking action now can help you stay ahead of your allergies and the symptoms that come with them.

At Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates in Tampa and Brandon, Florida, our experts specialize in treating seasonal allergies. We create personalized plans that help you get ahead of the season and the woes it brings.

Below, we share our guide to a sneeze-free Valentine’s Day.

Allergies and Valentine’s Day

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, February often marks the beginning of spring allergies in many parts of the country. This is when tree pollination starts, quickly followed by grass pollination.

With Florida’s mild temperatures, you may find that allergy symptoms can linger year-round, making Valentine’s Day prime time for allergy flare-ups.

Symptoms that can ruin the mood

Though pollen is a common allergen this time of year, you may also react to mold or dust. Typical allergy symptoms that can put a damper on your Valentine’s Day include:

Sneezing
Itchy eyes
Scratchy throat
Congestion
Sinus pressure

These symptoms are commonly mistaken as a common cold and can get overlooked or dismissed. But, if any of them last longer than a month, you’re likely dealing with hay fever, not a cold.

Simple ways to reduce pollen exposure

Reducing your exposure to pollen is key to easing symptoms. Since the wind carries pollen far and wide, it’s important to stay informed about pollen counts in your area. Keep windows closed on days with high pollen counts, and consider an air filtration system to keep the air inside your home clean.

As soon as you walk in the door, put the clothes you’ve been wearing in the washer to avoid tracking pollen throughout your home. You may also want to limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are high.

How to keep your Valentine’s Day allergen-free

February is a beautiful time of year in Florida, making it perfect for scheduling outdoor Valentine’s Day activities. However, if your allergies are acting up, you might want to keep your plans inside.

Enjoy a meal at an indoor restaurant, catch a movie, or prepare a cozy, home-cooked dinner. Whatever venue you choose, make sure it’s well-ventilated and free of allergens.

Medications and treatments to save the day

Despite your best efforts, you may still encounter your allergens and the symptoms they cause. Allergy medications can help manage symptoms so you feel more like yourself.

Medications and treatments for allergies include:

Most allergy medications are available over-the-counter (OTC). If OTC options aren’t enough, it’s time to give our office a call. Our allergy specialists offer various treatments, including allergy shots, to help you gain control over your symptoms.

Don’t let pollen keep you from enjoying Valentine’s Day. Take steps now to manage your allergies so you can celebrate without sneezing, coughing, or congestion.

For expert care, call us today or book an appointment online. We have three convenient locations: South Tampa, Carrollwood, and Brandon, Florida.