Allergy Season One of the Worst in Years
By: Jacqueline Waite
Updated: April 21, 2010
HAGERSTOWN, MD - The bees are buzzing, flowers are in bloom and many people are sneezing because of it and doctors say this allergy season is one of the worst in years.
It's because of all the snow that melted when the temperature hit 80-degrees.
"During that five day period a few weeks back, the pollen count went from maybe 40 up to 3,000 in the period of one week," says Dr. Nicholas Orfan. "So it was a very intense pollination."
Bad news for allergy sufferers, Dr. Orfan says when the pollen count picked up as early as it did this year this means a longer allergy season is in store.
"People become symptomatic and then they're primed, so they tend to stay symptomatic for the next two months," says Orfan. "So it seems like a very long season for allergic patients."
A long season means a lot more sniffling and sneezing.
"I've got my napkin I carry around with me," says Matt Mauriello who suffers from allergies.
Dr. Orfan suggests keeping windows and doors shut and running the air conditioning to filter out the pollen.
Allergy shots are also an option for people who just can't get relief.
"The difference between allergy shots and medication is the allergy shots will last a lifetime," says Orfan. "They really change the state of the allergy long term."
Orfan also recommends staying inside on days when the pollen count is particularly high, but even for allergy sufferers enjoying weather this nice may be worth the sniffle.
Click here for a link to Dr. Orfan's website where he tracks the pollen daily.
It's because of all the snow that melted when the temperature hit 80-degrees.
"During that five day period a few weeks back, the pollen count went from maybe 40 up to 3,000 in the period of one week," says Dr. Nicholas Orfan. "So it was a very intense pollination."
Bad news for allergy sufferers, Dr. Orfan says when the pollen count picked up as early as it did this year this means a longer allergy season is in store.
"People become symptomatic and then they're primed, so they tend to stay symptomatic for the next two months," says Orfan. "So it seems like a very long season for allergic patients."
A long season means a lot more sniffling and sneezing.
"I've got my napkin I carry around with me," says Matt Mauriello who suffers from allergies.
Dr. Orfan suggests keeping windows and doors shut and running the air conditioning to filter out the pollen.
Allergy shots are also an option for people who just can't get relief.
"The difference between allergy shots and medication is the allergy shots will last a lifetime," says Orfan. "They really change the state of the allergy long term."
Orfan also recommends staying inside on days when the pollen count is particularly high, but even for allergy sufferers enjoying weather this nice may be worth the sniffle.
Click here for a link to Dr. Orfan's website where he tracks the pollen daily.
