Tips for Sneeze Free Fall Activities

Fall can be hard for allergy sufferers, with its dust, ragweed, and mold. Stanley Fineman, MD, President of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, offers advice:


Watch out for the longer allergy season:

According to the ACAAI, ragweed allergy season is up to three weeks longer than it used to be. Start taking allergy medications after ragweed allergy symptoms start (usually mid-August).



Know the pollen count for your area:

Use the ZYRTEC® Allergy Forecast tool to get the most accurate forecast in your area, searchable by ZIP.



Have fun – but be careful – raking leaves:

Raking leaves is a fun fall activity for the whole family. But be careful of seasonal allergy triggers, like mold spores in piles of leaves. They can cause symptoms to flare up.



Leave allergens at the door:

Close the windows in your house and car and shower after you’ve been outdoors. Also, don’t stop taking allergy medication right at the end of the season – ragweed allergies can linger in the air.



Prepare for school-related allergens:

Share your child’s treatment plan with school staff and; tour the school. If your child has allergies to class pets, like rabbits and hamsters, ask for them to be removed (or for your child to switch rooms).