Myths and Facts About Seasonal Allergies

Myth. Don't pick up and move to escape your allergies. Grass and ragweed pollens are found nearly everywhere. Moving to a different climate may curb your symptoms, but your relief could be short-lived. You may have reactions to the allergens in your new environment not long after you move. 

Myth. Very few people have allergic reactions to a bouquet of beautiful blossoms. The pollens made by trees, grasses, and weeds are usually to blame.But you're not likely to put flowers from those plants in a vase!

Myth. The coast can be a nice vacation spot for people with allergies. Beaches generally have lower pollen counts, but grasses are common near them, and ragweed pollen can be found as far as 400 miles out to sea.

Fact. They measure how much of the fine yellow dust is in the air over a period of time. A high count means you're more likely to have symptoms when you go outside. So check the count as you make plans for the day.

Myth. Some people believe this sweet treat is a natural remedy for pollen problems. But most allergies don't stem from the type found in honey -- and that means that a jar of it won't help you build up your immunity. So, enjoy honey’s taste, but know that even local kinds probably won’t ease your symptoms.

Myth. Most kids won’t, especially if they have hay fever (allergic rhinitis). A hospital in Sweden tracked 82 people with hay fever and found that 99% still had it 12 years later. But 39% did say they had some improvement.

Fact. Temperature, time of day, humidity, and rain can affect levels of the yellow, sneezy stuff. If you have allergies, the best time to go outside is right after heavy rains. Pollen counts run lowest on chilly, soggy days. They tend to run highest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially on hot, dry, and windy days. If you want to go outdoors, try to wait until the late afternoon, as the counts start to fall.

Myth. Super-tiny mold spores can show up almost anywhere. They grow on soil, decayed leaves, and rotted wood, especially in damp weather. You're most likely to have an allergic reaction to mold in the summer. Most outdoor types of it aren't active in the winter. As plants grow back in the spring, so does mold.

Myth. Don’t let the name fool you. Hay fever isn’t a fever, and you can get it even if you’ve never been to a farm. Tree, grass, and weed pollens cause it. So do mold spores. If you have allergies, you may be more likely to have a reaction in a rural area. But some studies show that children who grow up on farms have a smaller chance of getting allergies.

Myth. Allergies often start when you're a kid. But you can get them as an adult, too. Some happen after you change where you live and encounter new allergens. And even if you think you've overcome a childhood allergy, some symptoms can show up again when you’re a grown-up.

Fact. They aren’t a cure, but if you have bad allergies or reactions to many things, they might help you. Regular shots greatly cut some people's reactions to certain allergens. (There are also under-the-tongue meds that work the same way.) But you’ll have to stick with the treatment plan to see the greatest results.