Allergy season returns for the start of spring

Friday, March 20th kicks off the first official day of Spring which means allergies caused by pollen are back.

Dr. Watkins, a local allergist here in Salisbury tells us that tree pollen peaks in March and April. A common tree that contributes to the pollen count comes from Cedar trees. Dr. Watkins also says that grass related allergies are more common in April and May. Summer allergies can be influenced by both grasses and weeds.

Because of the late start to winter this year, we are experiencing an even later start to pollen. One of the key factors to how you will be affected to pollen depends on location, especially here in Delmarva

Dr. Watkins mentions that, “The local environment is important as far as what sort of exposures you can expect, it you are right on the beach and you got sea breezes most of the day, than your not going to be seeing a ton of pollen, whereas further inland here in Salisbury there is plenty of pollen”.

Dr. Watkins states allergy symptoms include: runny nose, sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and red eyes. He encourages you to go see a physician if your symptoms get worse and also a great alternative to over-the-counter medicines is the allergy shot.