Spring is almost here, and that means everything from beautiful flower fields to stormy weather to… unfortunately, the Pollening, here in Atlanta. And according to a new study by Thumbtack, Atlanta is officially the ‘sneeziest city’ in the United States.
Here’s what Thumbtack says about the sneeziest cities in the country,
Seven of the top 10 sneeziest cities are located in the Southeast or Texas. Longer growing seasons, dense tree coverage, and high humidity create the perfect recipe for pollen to thrive and stick around. In many of these cities, allergy season is not a quick wave; it lingers.
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Here are the top ten sneeziest cities in the U.S.
Atlanta, GA
Charlotte, NC
Austin, TX
Washington, D.C.
Dallas, TX
Orlando, FL
Tampa, FL
Baltimore, MD
Raleigh, NC
Seattle, WA
How should I keep from sneezing this pollen season?
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While avoiding pollen allergy season entirely might be nearly impossible, there are some things you can do to keep the sneezing at bay this spring. Here are some of Thumbtack’s recommendations:
Maintain your HVAC system – Replace filters every 1–3 months during peak season and consider professional duct cleaning to prevent allergens from continuously cycling through your home.
Deep clean soft surfaces regularly – vacuum carpets, rugs and furniture, especially in high traffic areas in your home! It’ll help keep pollen from outside from being tracked through your home.
Establish a pollen control routine at entry points – in other words, take off your shoes at the door, change out of outside clothes before lying in bed, wash your hands and hair regularly.
Stay on top of yard maintenance – Mow lawns regularly to prevent grass from flowering, trim back trees and shrubs near windows (especially high-pollen producers like oak, cedar, and birch), and rinse patios, decks, and outdoor furniture weekly to reduce what gets tracked indoors.
Seal gaps around doors and windows – try not to let the pollen in at all by making sure you don’t have any gaps in doors and windows!
And it might also be a good idea to start your allergy medicine if you need to! Always consult with your doctor if you have questions about allergy medicine!
