It’s allergy season and there are ways to help prevent or ease those who tend to suffer from these bothersome symptoms.

Greene County Elementary School Nurse Mary Pedersen says the typical symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing, congestion, runny nose and itchy or watery eyes. She points out the cause of seasonal allergies is due to pollen in the air and other material being spread around outside. A misconception of allergies is that it’s often confused with the common cold, which Pedersen says cold symptoms include having a sore throat, body aches and possibly a high fever.

Pedersen describes how choosing the best time to be outside can reduce exposure to what’s also called “hay fever.” “The best time to go outside is actually right after a really good rain because it’s kind of washed some of that pollen and some of those triggers away for a short time and then they tend to come back again. And staying inside, no one really likes to do that, but if it comes down to that, that’s the best way to avoid some of those triggers. If you’re kids are playing outside and they have allergies, when they come inside, have them do a change of clothes (and) put them in the laundry right away.”

Pedersen adds that you can be medically tested to see if you are allergic to something and be treated for it. She also suggests constant hand washing and using air conditioners as other preventative methods this season.