Your Guide To Surviving A Never-Ending Allergy Season

Are allergy symptoms dogging you? If so, you’re in good company. According to a survey * conducted by Bayer, the makers of the #1 doctor-recommended non-drowsy oral allergy OTC brand Claritin®, a whopping 74% of adults report being affected by seasonal allergies in some way*.

If you can’t shake your symptoms like you used to, it might not be all in your head. Thanks in part to changing climates, certain plants are pumping out pollen earlier, longer, and at more intense concentrations, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports. Products that relieve multiple allergy symptoms, like Claritin® Liquid **, can be a game-changer. And by shifting a few little lifestyle habits (more on those below), you can get your symptoms under control. Here’s how.

1. Plan Your Time Outdoors Mindfully

Early birds beware: Pollen counts hit their peak between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., so that morning stroll to the coffee shop could be setting you up for a day of nose-blowing. Before you venture forth from your enclosure, it’s worth taking a peek at your daily pollen forecast. Plenty of apps and websites provide updates on which plants are flowering and alert you when pollen rises in your area. And when you head outside, don’t forget the shades! Many don’t think of it*, but wearing sunglasses can block airborne particles and pollen from entering the eyes to help alleviate symptoms in a super cute way.

2. Stock Up An A Product That Does It All

Whether you’re an allergy newbie or veteran, you’re probably overdue for a trip to the store to amp up your medicine cabinet’s allergy arsenal. These products typically include nasal sprays to ease congestion, eye drops to soothe irritation and antihistamine pills or tablets to block the effects of histamine (a chemical your body cranks out when it senses an intruder like pollen).

Antihistamines can treat a range of allergy symptoms, whether that’s the never-ending itch in your throat or the perma-sniffles, but many of them can make you drowsy. Luckily, there’s an option that delivers all the benefits without the grogginess. Claritin ® Liquid provides powerful, non-drowsy allergy relief from symptoms including itchy throat, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing in an instantly soothing Cooling Honey Flavored Liquid. Better yet: It’s effective for up to 24 hours for even your most bothersome indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms.

3. Team Up With A Pro For A Game Plan

Consider working with a trusted allergist or a certified healthcare provider. They can run tests to ID what sets off your symptoms, allowing you to track problematic triggers and come up with the best solutions to address them. They can also talk you through relief options for when symptoms arise and long-term treatments if your symptoms are severe and difficult to manage.

4. Protect Your Home From Pollen

Repeat this mantra: “I will keep my windows and doors shut.” Pollen is already all over the place whenever you’re outside, and allowing it to lurk in your home is just unfair to yourself.

Luckily, the precautions needed to minimize allergens in your abode are simple. Take off your shoes before entering your place. Change your clothes after being outdoors. Shower before you go to sleep. If your place starts feeling stuffy, run the air conditioner to recirculate indoor air and keep things cool. Wash your linens weekly and avoid hanging your laundry to dry outside. Your pets also carry pollen on their coats, so it’s best to keep them out of your bed (sorry!).

5. Give Your Air Purifier Lots Of Love

One of the most helpful tools in your allergy-fighting kit is an air purifier with a HEPA filter. These bad boys can trap up to 99.97% of pollen, dust, mold, bacteria and other questionable particles. Invest in a unit that matches the size of the area it’ll live in, ideally the room you’re hanging out in most often. Don’t forget to replace the filter as needed, and your allergies will thank you.

6. Go Easy On Yourself

Allergies can be stressful. That’s why a staggering 87% say they’re frustrated when they cannot find symptom relief*. Many agree that feeling physically crummy from allergy symptoms can affect their ability to focus* and it can even take a mental toll. On top of taking your allergy medicine when symptoms arise, prioritize a little self-care each day. Move your body in a way that feels good. Treat yourself to nutritious meals. Unwind with an “everything shower” after a long day, which also flushes out roaming allergens. Bake in some time to relax before bed. It’ll make this time of year feel a little more bearable.

Get ahead of the never-ending allergy season with Claritin® Liquid.