When Is Allergy Season?

For those who're allergic to year-round allergens like dust mites and pet dander, every day is allergy season. However, with seasonal allergens like pollen, grass, or ragweed, you may be wondering about what months you can get allergies.

In general, allergy starts when the trees start budding—which can be anywhere between February and May or June. Also, in warmer areas, you might experience seasonal allergies most of the year. Here's what you need to know.

When Does Allergy Season Start and End?

In the US specifically, allergy season can have a year-round effect. This may be the case for someone who has various allergies to plants that thrive in seasons that follow one another. Allergy seasons throughout the year include:

• Tree pollen allergy season, which can start as early as February and last until early summer
• Grass allergy season, which can begin in April and last through June
• Ragweed allergy season, which lasts from August to November, with a peak in September
  

There are some exceptions to that, however. Tropical climate grass allergies may be present for a large portion of the year. Additionally, especially rainy springs can help plants grow quicker, causing summer allergies to last through the fall.

Climate change also plays a role in allergy season. According to a February 2021 study, allergy season had been arriving 20 days earlier than it did in 1990. Plus, it contained at least 20% more pollen.

When Should You Start Taking Your Allergy Medications?

As a general rule, allergy treatment should begin at least a couple of weeks before the start of allergy season to help you stay ahead of the itching, sneezing, drippy nose, and wheezing. "The majority of hay fever [allergy] medications work best if started before a pollen season begins," Luz Fonacier, MD, head of allergy at NYU Langone Hospital–Long Island, told Health.

If you use nasal antihistamines, steroids, oral antihistamines, or eye drops for seasonal allergies, Dr. Fonacier advised against waiting until your symptoms are unbearable to start treatment—but don't stop taking them too early. "The misery can linger until the end of the season, so wait a few weeks before stopping treatment," said Dr. Fonacier.

How To Stay Ahead of Allergy Season

For regular allergy sufferers, the goal is to prevent allergic reactions before they happen. You can be prepared for your allergy season with the following tips in mind.

Be Aware of Pollen Counts

Keep an eye on pollen counts at home or a travel destination. You can find this information in the newspaper, on the radio, and on television or by looking it up online for the area you'll be in.

Improve Air Quality

When you're indoors, you want to make sure the air is as clean as possible. Close windows and doors, and opt to use an air conditioner if necessary to cool your home on warmer days.

Minimize Allergen Exposure

There are ways to reduce how much you're exposed to the pollen that can set off your allergies. They include:

• Doing outdoor activities later in the day
• Limiting gardening or yardwork-based activities
• Staying indoors when pollen counts are higher
• Taking a shower to remove any pollen on your body
• Wearing a mask or wraparound glasses if you have to do anything outdoors
  

Pay Attention to Allergy Symptom Patterns

It may help to pay attention to those specific patterns of symptoms if you've had them but haven't been officially diagnosed with allergies. For example, visiting an allergist may be a good idea if you've been having the same allergy symptoms around March yearly.

Stick to Your Medication Schedule

Staying on a schedule with your allergy medication can strengthen your immune system. It will also help ensure you won't need more medication to avoid future allergic episodes.

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

Sometimes, you can manage your allergies without having to see an allergist. However, you'll want to see a healthcare provider for the following:

• Increased wheezing and coughing
• No symptom improvement with treatment
• Severe allergy symptoms

It's also time to see a healthcare provider if your usual medications worked before but are becoming less helpful. "An allergist has advanced training and experience to properly diagnose your condition with a good history, examination, skin testing, or a blood test," said Dr. Fonacier. "They can help you identify your allergy triggers, advise on how to avoid them, and even detect complications early.

There are several possible reasons for your meds not working, including:

• A different diagnosis (i.e., you have a sinus infection and not seasonal allergies)
• High exposure to the allergen
• Inability to avoid allergen exposure
  

You might also have started your treatment too late, said Dr. Fonacier. An allergist can help you get to the bottom of whatever is at the root of it—and hopefully find some relief from your symptoms.

A Quick Review

Allergy seasons vary based on when plants grow but may start before spring and end in the fall. For some individuals, allergy season can last all year, but there are ways to reduce the effects of allergy season.

You can get ahead of allergy season by taking medications and preventative measures before your allergy season starts. See an allergist if you have concerns about your allergy symptoms or feel like your treatment isn't as effective.