The Pollening Is Upon Us: Why Your Allergies Are Getting Bad In ATL

Allergy season is here, we’re afraid, and it’s going to hit hard this year. So if you’re looking to avoid the watery eyes and sneezing, it’s time to go ahead and start your allergy meds!

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “The pollen count has reached moderate levels according to the latest measurements released Wednesday by the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma’s pollen counting station, which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau. The Weather Channel’s 15-day allergy forecast predicts tree pollen will reach “very high” levels on Thursday.”

What actually causes allergies?

Pollen, duh. But not the pollen you’re thinking of, exactly. The AJC reports, “Contrary to popular belief, flowering trees such as cherry trees are usually not the problem… The bright yellow pollen you see coating cars and sidewalks and cars is also not to blame for making people sneeze.” So what’s the problem then? Much smaller, invisible pollen, that is easily blown around in the wind. Hardwood trees tend to produce this kind of pollen, so be weary of the oak, hickory, birch, and red cedar trees that line your neighborhoods!

Someone just sneezed near me… is it allergies or something else?

Well, that’s a little less straightforward. It’s hard to know if you’ve got allergies going on or a cold or COVID or… the list goes on. Mayo Clinic says the best way to tell the difference is that, “people with seasonal allergies almost never have a sore throat or a cough.” They elaborate that a cough is almost always a part of a viral infection. The same goes for fevers–your allergies shouldn’t come with a fever, but a cold or virus might.

Of course, it’s sometimes very hard to tell the difference, so if possible, make sure to test for COVID if you think you might have it.