The best way to keep away from these allergens is to run the air conditioning with a HEPA filter — this cool comfort indoors should help you feel better during the dog days of August. Depending on where you live, ragweed-fueled fall allergies can start in August or September and continue through October and possibly November.
Pollen grains are lightweight and spread easily, especially on windy days. The more wet and windy autumn is in your area, the more easily the pollen spreads, and the worse your symptoms will feel. Chances that fall allergies will ease by October get better the farther north you go in the United States. But in warmer climates, fall allergies can linger well into this month. Seasonal rain and wind can also ramp up mold spores — if your fall allergies include mold or fungi spores, your symptoms may linger.
The ragweed pollen season usually ends by mid-November in most areas of the country. If you have fall allergies and react to fungi and molds, you probably face your worst symptoms in late summer and early fall. Although you might feel miserable from the end of March until November, making it seem like you have year-round allergies, you should get a break now. November may be one of the best months for people with outdoor allergies, which allows for enjoying the crisp weather.
Then, just in time, indoor allergies to pet dander and indoor molds pick up. As pretty as they are, real Christmas trees can make you wheeze and sneeze. It's likely not the tree itself that triggers allergies but the microscopic mold spores that can harbor in its branches. If you can't resist buying a live tree despite winter allergies, take it home a week before you plan to decorate it and leave it in a garage or an enclosed porch. Then give it a good shake to try to get rid of any spores.
By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. In the allergy world, we often think of Memorial Day as a reminder of peak grass pollen season. They begin pollinating in May, peak toward the end of the month and carry through the first few weeks of June. Even allergies take a vacation.
Hot, dry July weather tends to give a short reprieve for pan-pollen allergic patients those allergic to tree, grass and weed pollens. Trees and grasses are no longer pollinating. Without rain, mold spore counts are often low and fall plants have not yet begun the pollination process.
Back-to-school time often marks the onset of weed pollination and resurgence of allergy symptoms. With the discovery of pollen allergies, it was recognized that fall symptoms were due to ragweed pollen rather than due to hay exposure. August 15 is endearingly referred to amongst allergists as the start of ragweed season.
Mold spore counts tend to rise dramatically in the fall with falling leaves and dying plants. Molds thrive in the decomposing plant matter and their spores float into the air. Gardening in mulch or dirt, farming or hiking in the woods can also increase exposures to mold spores this time of year.
Mold grows best above freezing temperatures and when it is damp, such as after rainfall. During warm periods of winter, mold spore counts can temporarily spike, which can be confusing for mold allergic patients that may not be expecting an allergy flare during winter months.
It's also possible to experience nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing with COVID, too, though these are more commonly allergy symptoms. A dry cough, shortness of breath, and loss of smell, are all likely COVID symptoms, though there's always the possibility that these are the side effects of allergies.
Overall, though, if you're having trouble telling if your symptoms are allergies or COVID, your best bet is to check in with a doctor's office or urgent-care center. Weight Loss. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Taraji P. Accessible Beauty Products For All. When does allergy season start? Jewelyn Butron. Related Story. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Cassie Shortsleeve Freelance Writer Cassie Shortsleeve is a skilled freelance writer and editor with almost a decade of experience reporting on all things health, fitness, and travel. Kristin Canning Kristin Canning is the features director at Women's Health, where she assigns, edits and reports long-form features on emerging health research and technology, women's health conditions, psychology, sexuality, mental health, reproductive justice, wellness entrepreneurs, women athletes, and the intersection of health, fitness, and culture for both the magazine and the website.
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