Pollen count highest on record in 2 years

SALISBURY, Md. – It’s that time of year, allergy season is here.

“I’ll tell you, it’s it’s scary. You walk out and you see all that pollen. You know what it’s going to be like. And you really can’t go outside. You can’t when it’s this time of year. You can’t enjoy the good weather,” said Salisbury resident, Delores Outten.

Monday brought the highest pollen count we’ve seen in two years. With allergy season in full swing, pharmacist Ben Forrest with Apple Discount Drugs is seeing more people suffering the symptoms. “A lot of probably sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose. Sometimes that can progress or lead into some nasal congestion, which sometimes can lead to a person drip or you get the call for the crud in your chest,” said Forrest.

At the pharmacy, Forrest says there are a variety of options but a spray a day could keep the sneezing away. “Also suffers of seasonal allergies are requesting nasal sprays or whatever have you to be filtered through the pharmacy that they may not have picked it up or used it in several months past. There’s a lot of over-the-counter antihistamines like your Claritin or Zyrtec. Sometimes they are dispensed through the pharmacy, but really there’s no difference in the medication whether you purchase it over the counter or through the pharmacy,” said Forrest.

Prescribed steroids are also an option. And for most people, pollen can be an inconvenience, but for those with other health issues like asthma, it can be a bigger risk, something Delores Outten says she’s experiencing herself. “I use a saline rinse in my nose when I come back in the house. I take allergy medicine and I take Flonase type things. And if I have a need, a rescue inhaler, I’ll use that,” said Outten. “You’ll see certain inhalers or treatments filled through the pharmacy along with some of the antihistamine or anti-allergy drugs too,” said Forrest.

You can get a consultation at Apple Discount Drugs if you have questions.