LANSING, Mich. — While the flu season is sticking around late this year, health officials say another season is hitting early.
Officials say allergy season has struck parts of Michigan a bit early this year.
But allergens bothering most people right now are actually being caused by mold, says Dr. Dan McGee at Helen Devos Children's hospital.
He said conditions are perfect for mold instead of allergens from trees, weeds, or grasses.
“Now that we have the ground exposed and there are the old dead leaves and moisture and things thawing out, you’re going to start to see an uptick in mold allergies,” McGee said.
There are a number of things allergy sufferers can do like turn to antihistamines and nasal sprays.
But you'll want to make sure you're using the right one and the ones for allergies.
Health officials say other types of nasal sprays won't really help and can be really addictive.
“Spring time allergies are not yet here yet because we don’t get the spring time allergies until we see warmer air, so it’s not quite there yet," McGee said.
While allergy-irritating pollens are not here at the moment, the Mayo Clinic has some tips to help people get through the next couple of months.
Experts suggest staying indoors when the pollen counts are high and let other people do the yard work.
While it may be tempting to have the windows open, you are better off running the air conditioner instead.
And make sure you change your air filters.
Experts also suggest that you shower in the evening, so you can avoid getting stuffed up while you sleep.
