How to prevent allergy symptoms before they start?

Get tested by an allergist to identify your specific pollen triggers (tree, grass, ragweed, mold). This lets you target prevention to the exact weeks that matter for you.

Wipe your dog or cat down with a damp cloth or pet wipe after every outdoor outing during allergy season, focusing on the face, paws, belly, and back.

Shift outdoor workouts to the gym, home exercise equipment, or indoor activities when pollen counts are high. If you must exercise outdoors, go in the late afternoon or evening.

Implement a shoes-off-at-the-door policy during allergy season. Place a shoe rack near the entry and keep indoor slippers available.

Wear an N95 respirator or a NIOSH-rated pollen mask when mowing the lawn, gardening, raking, or doing other outdoor yard work during allergy season.

Use a clothes dryer or indoor drying rack instead of hanging laundry outside during allergy season. Outdoor-dried clothes and bedding collect significant amounts of pollen.

Begin using your nasal corticosteroid spray (fluticasone, triamcinolone, or budesonide) 1-2 weeks before your allergy season historically starts. Use it daily throughout the season.

Shower and wash your hair as soon as you come indoors after extended outdoor time during allergy season. Change into clean indoor clothes immediately.

Keep home and car windows closed during your allergy season, especially on high-pollen days and during early morning hours. Use air conditioning instead of open windows for ventilation.

Monitor daily pollen forecasts using Pollen.com, the Weather Channel app, or your local weather service. Limit outdoor time when counts are high or very high.