Seasonal allergy seasons will vary based on where you live. In the Northeast of the United States the pollen seasons are as follows:

Tree Allergies: From March through May
Grass Allergies: From April Through October
Weed Allergies: From June Through October

Recent weather changes have caused some deviations in this schedule.

Preventing allergic reactions

There are many ways that you can adjust your daily life to better treat a seasonal allergy. Many of these are easy to build into your routine and structure. Allergies can be frustrating, but are treatable with medication and taking precautions to limit exposure to allergens.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends a number of tips to prevent allergic outbreaks during any allergy season.

1.) Make sure that you are doing a thorough seasonal cleaning of your home. Clean your entire home, even air conditioning vents. These collect dust and can grow mold spores while they are shut down which can trigger allergy symptoms. Adding air filters to these vents can help as well.

2.) The pollen count are usually highest in the morning, between 5 am and 10 am. If you can postpone doing outdoor events or activities until later in the day it will help to manage your symptoms.

3.) There are a number of ways to identify your local pollen count. You can do this daily to be aware of your likelihood of symptom outbreaks. You can also use This link to Pollen.com for your New Jersey-specific pollen count.

4.) When you can, use air conditioning rather than opening your windows. Air conditioning already works to filter out pollen triggers.

5.) When driving, use the air conditioner in your car, rather than driving with the windows down. The air conditioning unit in your car will work as an air filter.

6.) If you can, try to stay inside on days where the weather is particularly hot, windy, or dry. Pollen can travel easily on these days, and it can worsen your symptoms.

7.) As tempting as it is, do not hang your laundry to dry. Pollen, dust, and other allergens can collect on the fibers. Once this happens, they can trigger your symptoms until they are washed again.

8.) If you are going to do yard work make sure to wear a mask to help filter out allergens.

9.) Make sure to wash your bedding weekly. Also, make sure to use hot water to get the allergens off of your bedding.

10.) To rid yourself of allergens, make sure to wash your hair thoroughly in the shower every night before bed

11.) If there is visible mold, make sure to use non-toxic cleaning products to remove it.

12.) Allergy symptoms may worsen in the evening or after a heavy rain when the dew count is high. There can be higher mold spore counts in these situations.

13.) If you wear sunglasses outside, you will protect your eyes from pollen. This will limit some of your symptoms.

14.) During allergy season, you will be better off using daily disposable lenses if you wear contact lenses because there will be less build up of irritants.