The sun's out, the birds are singing and your life revolves around a tissue box. Must be spring again. Is it possible to enjoy the season of sneeze if you're one of the many Americans with seasonal allergies?
Yes, says the <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=aaallergy" target="_blank">American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology</a>. Take these steps to avoid allergens and spring may start to feel like a kinder, gentler season: 
<ul>
 <li>Close your windows at night to keep out pollens and molds. Opt instead for air conditioning. It dries and cleans the air as it cools it. </li>
 <li>Save outdoor activity for times when pollen counts are low. &nbsp;</li>
 <li>Don't drive with your car windows open. </li>
 <li>Keep an eye out for windy days, when lots of dust and pollen get stirred up. </li>
 <li>Vacation in a low-pollen zone, such as the beach. </li>
 <li>If you have a mold allergy, keep indoor plants to a minimum. Don't overwater, which can encourage mold growth. </li>
 <li>Get help with yard work. Mowing and raking can stir up pollens and molds. </li>
 <li>Shower shortly after you come in from outside. This will wash off pollens and molds. </li>
 <li>Skip the outdoor clothesline&mdash;pollens and molds can collect on your laundry. </li>
</ul>
To find out mold and pollen counts, visit the AAAAI's National Allergy Bureau&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts?ipb=1" target="_blank">website</a>. They measure for these airborne allergens three times a week. 
Reviewed 2/29/2024
Sources
<ul>
 <li>American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology. "Outdoor Allergens."&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/outdoor-allergens-ttr">https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/outdoor-allergens-ttr</a>.</li>
 <li>American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology. "NAB FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)."&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pollen.aaaai.org/#/pages/faq">https://pollen.aaaai.org/#/pages/faq</a>.</li>
 <li>American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology. "National Allergy Bureau."&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pollen.aaaai.org/#/">https://pollen.aaaai.org/#</a>.</li>
</ul>

Outsmart springtime allergens

If you have allergies, steering clear of pollens and mold can make your spring easier.