04/23/19 – 3:26 P.M.

Spring is in the air and the weather is warming up which means allergies are on the way. Blanchard Valley Health System’s Dr. Amber Patterson said that the best way to avoid allergies is to avoid pollen.

She said that if you have to be outside when pollen counts are high, you can use masks, screens, and filters to help protect yourself.

Patterson added that if you take medication to help control allergies, you should start taking them a couple of weeks in advance.

She said that this will help your immune system react stronger and quicker. She added that the best way to avoid allergies is to avoid pollen.

She also warned about irritants released by plants that can cause allergy-like symptoms. She said that if you have the symptoms but allergy medication isn’t helping, you should talk to your doctor.