Top 6 Allergy Strategies for a Sneezing-Free Spring in Crystal Lake

You may have looked around recently and noticed you and seemingly everyone else struggling with sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. That’s because as spring weather arrives in Crystal Lake, and pollen levels surge, approximately 25.7% of U.S. adults suffer from seasonal allergies and as many as 32% of older adults experience rhinitis symptoms each year (CDC). For seniors, whose immune response and respiratory systems often undergo age-related changes, managing outdoor activities, indoor environments, and timely treatments is critical to staying comfortable and healthy all season long. In this blog we focus on seven proven strategies, backed by expert guidance and local resources, to help Crystal Lake seniors manage allergies and breathe easier this spring.

1. Time Your Outdoor Activities

One effective allergy management solution is understanding high pollen times of day and planning outings accordingly. According to a recent study published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), peak pollen counts typically occur between 2pm and 9pm. So if you want to avoid the worst of the pollen, planning your outings for the mornings or early afternoons (before 2 pm) when pollen counts are lowest.

2. Monitor Local Pollen Forecasts

Timing your outdoor activity according to common peak allergy times can be a good start, but tracking real-time pollen counts is even better. The Allergy Plus app from Pollen.com delivers up-to-the-minute, location-specific allergy, air quality, and weather forecasts and is available for free on both iPhone and Android. This app allows you to customize notifications to alert you whenever pollen levels change in your area, compare side-by-side five-day allergy and weather outlooks, and easily share all the details with family or friends.

Here are some other web-based options for timely pollen information:

• The Weather Channel’s Crystal Lake allergy page for 3-day tree, grass, and ragweed forecasts (The Weather Channel)
• Pollen.com’s 5-day outlook to plan indoor alternatives when levels are “High” or “Very High” (Pollen.com)

3. Create a Low-Allergen Home

• Keep windows and doors closed during peak season and run HVAC systems on “recirculate.” Additionally, if you haven’t changed the filter on your HVAC recently, installing a new filter can also help keep allergens out of the air inside your home.

• Use air purifiers with True HEPA filters, proven to remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. These air purifiers require some up-front investment and require you to change the filters periodically, but they can make a huge difference for allergy sufferers. Additionally, if you find the maintenance of these machines overwhelming, our in-home caregivers can help keep track of filters and replace them as needed. The Coway Air Mega is a top quality HEPA air purifier that needs much less frequent filter replacement than most other systems.

• Shower and change clothes immediately after coming indoors to rinse off pollen deposits. This is especially important if you were out during high pollen times. Getting the pollen off your body helps to keep it out of the air in your home.

4. Wear Protective Gear Outdoors

If you need to be outside during high pollen times and are struggling, simple barriers can make a big difference:

• Lightweight pollen masks reduce inhalation of allergens. You can break out your cloth masks from five years ago, or a simple surgical mask also helps keep pollen out of your nose and mouth.
• Wrap-around sunglasses shield eyes from irritants.
• Wide-brimmed hats prevent pollen settling on hair and scalp.

5. Leverage Over-the-Counter Treatments

Over the counter allergy medications like loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are generally safe and effective medical defenses against seasonal allergies. They work by blocking histamine receptors in your body and reducing the irritation that causes allergic symptoms. While Claritin and Zyrtec perform the same function, they do it in different ways so if one doesn’t work for you, it might be worth trying the other. While OTC allergy medications are generally safe, it is ALWAYS a good idea to discuss all changes in your medications before starting. This is not medical advice.

Nasal sprays are also an effective treatment but be careful not to only use them as directed. Excessive use of nasal sprays like Afrin can cause rebound congestion and require surgical correction. Discuss all nasal sprays with your doctor before starting them.

6. Seek Professional Allergy Care

If symptoms persist despite OTC measures, an allergist can perform skin or blood testing to identify specific triggers and offer immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops) for long-term relief (SpringerLink).

By combining smart scheduling, environmental controls, protective measures, and professional guidance, seniors in Crystal Lake can enjoy a symptom-free spring. Ready to breathe easier? Contact Homewatch CareGivers of Crystal Lake today at 815-310-1369 or visit us online to learn how we can support your family this allergy season.