How to Prepare and Protect Yourself No Matter the Season
Published: 22nd November 2024 · Written by Dr. Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc
Ever find yourself suffering symptoms at specific parts of the year? You could have a seasonal allergy. From watery eyes to runny noses, seasonal allergies are more than a nuisance during the spring and summer months. Such allergies can affect your sleep, give you a headache, and prevent you from going about your everyday activities.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
With the right preparation and protection, you can reduce your symptoms and ensure you enjoy the warm summer months. Read on if you’re one of the 10% of people with a seasonal allergy.

What are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, usually refer to an allergic reaction caused by exposure to pollen. Like any allergic reaction, it occurs because the immune system wrongly flags the pollen as a threat, marshalling a strong immune defence. Histamine is released, flooding the system and causing the characteristic symptoms.
Not everyone with hay fever experience symptoms at the same time, however. For example, tree pollen occurs in the springtime, grass pollen is released in the late spring and summer and weed pollen peaks in later summer and autumn.
Nor is that the only seasonal allergy. Other possible allergies include:
- Mould Spore Allergy. Mould spores from outdoor fungi, which can be prevalent in damp or decaying vegetation, are common in late summer and fall.
- Dust Mite Allergy. Though not strictly seasonal, symptoms can worsen in humid summer months or when homes are closed up during winter, increasing exposure.
- Insect Allergy. Stings from bees, wasps, and other insects can cause allergic reactions. Bites from mosquitoes or fleas can also trigger symptoms, particularly in warmer months.
Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
The underlying mechanism behind an allergy remains the same. However, the areas of the body that are exposed to the body determine the symptoms. Dust mite exposure, for example, is primarily tactile, causing rashes on the skin. On the other hand, mould spore and pollen allergies irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract.
Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy throat or ears
- Coughing
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)
- Worsening of asthma symptoms (in asthmatic individuals)
Less common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Shortness Of Breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
Reducing Your Allergen Exposure
The best defence against a seasonal allergy is to avoid exposure in the first place. Reducing your allergen exposure will depend on the allergen in question.
Mould isn’t just a serious allergen but an overall health hazard. Minimising your exposure means tackling dampness inside bathrooms and windows and removing any decaying vegetation. Dust mites are also easy to manage – simply wash your bedding regularly and put items like pillowcases or pillows in the freezer overnight.
Hay fever, on the other hand, is more problematic. Try these tips:
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: Stay indoors during peak pollen times, usually early morning and windy days.
- Use Air Filters: Install HEPA filters in your home to reduce airborne allergens.
- Shower and Change Clothes: After being outside, shower and change to remove pollen from your skin and clothes.
- Close Windows and Doors: Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen seasons to prevent allergens from entering your home.
- Put Petroleum Jelly Around Your Nose: Apply a thin layer around your nostrils to trap pollen and prevent it from entering your nasal passages.
Following these best practices will minimise your pollen exposure, reducing symptoms in peak seasons. However, you should still consider over-the-counter remedies to counteract any lingering symptoms.
Try Over-the-Counter Remedies
Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies are the quickest and easiest way to tackle seasonal allergies. These nonprescription medications reduce histamine levels and soothe inflammation, preventing the congestion normally experienced by people with hay fever. Although they also work for other forms of seasonal allergies.
- Oral Antihistamines: Relieve sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, runny nose, and watery eyes. Examples include cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin).
- Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays: Reduce nasal symptoms effectively. Examples are fluticasone (Flonase), budesonide (Rhinocort), and triamcinolone (Nasacort). Consult your healthcare provider for long-term use.
- Cromolyn Sodium Nasal Spray: Eases symptoms by blocking immune system agents. Best used before allergen exposure, typically 4 to 6 times daily. It is a very safe treatment option.
Discover Your Hidden Seasonal Allergies
You can only manage an allergy you’re aware of. Plenty of people experience seasonal downturns, putting it down to the warm weather or an ongoing cold. Unbeknownst to them, the underlying cause is actually an allergy – be it pollen, mould, dust mites, or another seasonal factor.
The simplest way to identify such allergens is to take a test. The Complete Body Test from Life Lab Testing is the ultimate home-to-lab test, analysing 38 allergens and 79 intolerances, including food and environmental factors. Everything from Bahia Grass to House Dust Mite allergies is tested to ensure we cover all bases.
Just send us a small pinprick blood sample using the test kit. You’ll receive a comprehensive report detailing our findings within 7 days.
Take control of your health and identify your allergies with the Complete Body Test.
