Jacksonville, FL — If you have seasonal allergies, you're probably well aware--- tree pollen season is here.
Jacksonville doctor and allergist Sunil Joshi says if you're experiencing itchy eyes, runny nose, and other common allergy symptoms, there are over the counter medications that can help, but another key component is limiting your exposure to the pollen, as much as possible.
"Minimizing outdoor activities during this time of the year can be helpful, keeping the windows closed inside of your house, keeping the windows up inside of your car, keeping the AC on, those types of things to minimize the pollen from entering into the home, can also be very, very helpful," explains Joshi.
Joshi says when it's just allergies you will NOT have a fever. Instead, you may experience itchy eyes, runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, and maybe even itchy skin. But, if you have some sort of an infection, you'll experience more nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, headaches, and low-grade fevers. If you're unsure, he recommends seeing your doctor, just in case.
He says telling the difference between allergies, a cold, and other infections can be difficult at times.
Joshi also recommends seeing your doctor if your symptoms don't see to improve, as this is the time of year when people often mistake major sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia for allergies.