Dealing with allergies during the seasonal transition | News | wthitv.com

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Conditions outside are changing and with that comes the dreaded seasonal allergies. If you have been experiencing allergies lately, there is a reason.

The dry weather is causing pollen counts to increase, leaving many people sneezing and reaching for tissues. This seasonal transition from Summer to Fall is causing allergy flare-ups.

Shelby Jackson is the Public Health Educator at the Vigo County Health Department.

She told News 10, that during this time of year, the dry weather and lack of rain allow pollen to travel faster. That is why you may experience some allergy symptoms from weed pollen in the late Summer and early Fall.

Jackson says right now, we are at moderate risk of specifically "ragweed pollen."

This means we are more at risk of itchy or watery eyes, a cough, sneezing, itchy throat, and a stuffy or runny nose. Jackson says there are some ways to decrease your chances of coming in contact with ragweed pollen.

"We want to limit our exposure outside," Jackson said. "So, that's exercising outside, if you hang up clothes or materials outside, those can also capture the pollen and of course, you are bringing those back into your house."

News 10 spoke with many locals in Terre Haute this morning about whether they are experiencing allergies during this time of year or not. Almost everyone that was spoken with said they were having symptoms.

"Itchy eyes and a runny nose. Those are the two big ones for me," One Terre Haute resident, Marcos Garcia said.

"A really bad stuffy nose, watery eyes in the morning, and just that really weird headache you get where there's a change in the pressure outside," Another local resident, Alex Farrington said.

Jackson says it is important to be proactive after being outside.

"If you are outdoors for a long period of time, when you come in change those clothes, shower, rinse off your hair, and just try and get rid of any pollen that could be attached to us," Jackson said.

Jackson says one of the most important things you can do is wash your hands after being outside. This will prevent pollen from entering your body if you touch things like your eyes, nose, or mouth.

You shouldn't worry though, officials say that as it gets colder, outdoor pollen levels are expected to decrease, which should provide some relief for those suffering from allergy symptoms.