It’s That Time of Year Again
Seasonal allergies are an allergic reaction of the nose and sinuses (seasonal allergic rhinitis) to an inhaled substance (allergen). Most allergens float in the air and easily get into the nose. The most common allergens are pollens, pet dander, dust mites and molds.
Trees, grass, weeds and molds are the most common pollens. Tree pollens come in the spring. Grass pollens come in the summer. Weed pollens come in the fall. You can't avoid pollens because they are in the air. Most nasal allergies continue through the pollen season. They can last 4 to 8 weeks. This is also called hay fever.
Allergic rhinitis can also occur due to pet allergies and household dust (dust mites and/or mold) allergies. Symptoms from these allergies can occur whenever you are exposed to the allergens.
Check out the picture below. Symptoms of seasonal allergies are very similar to symptoms of Covid-19. Your health care provider may suggest over the counter medications or treatments such as saline nasal sprays. If those do not work for you, your provider may prescribe other medications. If you come to school with symptoms listed in the "common to both" area, we must consider it a "Covid-like illness".
As always, if you have any questions, email me or give me a call.
Take Care,
Ms. Whiteford, RN
