Greetings, Quakers, and welcome to the spring season, a.k.a. the sneezing, coughing, runny nose, congested season, where the weather fluctuates and many end up sick. The health department staff and I have teamed up to give you some tips on how to ward off sickness during the spring pollen season. You’ve probably heard of seasonal allergic rhinitis, but you may know it as hay fever. Every year, more than 3.5 million people in the United States are affected by allergic rhinitis, which is often caused by substances known as allergens.

These allergens include airborne pollens and mold spores that commonly trigger symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose and itchiness of the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes and ears. These allergens, in most cases, are the reason why you may be suffering from a cold.

Don’t fret, however; because there are a number of things you can do to prevent seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Helen Rice, RN and Director of Student Health, and RN Anita Masterson gave me a list of tips from the University of North Carolina’s campus health Web site of the dos and don’ts for protecting yourself against hay fever. While I was in the health office, I also picked up a pamphlet from families-first.com that gives advice on how to lessen the impact of allergens on your nose this spring.

Dos and don’ts for seasonal allergic rhinitis sufferers

. Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollens or mold spores from drifting into your home. If needed, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries the air.

. Minimize early morning activity when pollen is usually emitted (5-10 a.m.)

. Keep your car windows closed when traveling.

. Try to stay inside when the pollen count or humidity is high, and on windy days when dust and pollen are blown about.

. Do not take more medication than recommended to alleviate your symptoms.

. Do not be around freshly cut grass since mowing stirs up pollens and mold spores.

. Do not hang sheets or clothing out to dry. Pollens and molds may collect in them.

. Do not grow too many, or over-water, indoor plants if you are allergic to mold. Wet soil encourages mold growth.

How to minimize allergens, according to families-first.com:

. It is a good idea to avoid outdoor activity during peak pollen hours early in the morning and early in the evening. If you enjoy walking or other outdoor exercise, you may want to avoid doing so during these times. If you can’t, you may want to try working out at a local gym or YMCA.

. The Weather Channel is an allergy sufferer’s best resource. Not only do they report the daily weather, which can help you plan your outdoor day, it also tells you the allergy hot spots all across the United States. For example, a stretch of dry, warm, windy days can send pollen counts soaring, while a slow, steady rain will act as a natural air scrubber and clean the air for about 24 hours.

. Keeping your home free of dust and pollen takes common sense steps that you can successfully do.

So there you have it, the tools to keep you safe this spring. On behalf of the health department and myself, stay healthy and enjoy the spring.