Spring is in the air and pollen and allergy season are in full swing. The beautiful oak trees that line our streets normally pollinate in March, April and May with more pollen appearing in the early morning hours. This is a long time for us allergy sufferers! Oak pollen allergy symptoms are similar to other pollen allergies. While most symptoms of oak pollen allergies are mild, serious allergic reactions can occur.

Oaktree allergies may cause:

• Hay Fever

• Watery , Swollen and Itchy Eyes

• Runny Nose

• Cough

• Itchy throat

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Pain or pressure in your sinuses

Here are a few tips to help relieve your oak tree allergies:

• Wash the yellow pollen dusting off of your patio/balcony furniture before using.

• Clean your car frequently to keep your car pollen free.

• Take your shoes off immediately when you walk in instead of tracking them into the apartment; if you have a garage attached to your apartment home, leave them in the garage.

• Change your clothes and take a shower immediately if possible after coming indoors.

• Wash your sheets and pillowcases more frequently to remove the pollen that sticks to your hair, face and body.

• Keep your windows and doors closed when the pollen is high.

Keep an eye out for daily pollen counts to help you prepare yourself for the day ahead. Pollen is out in full force but there are many ways you can help lessen your allergy symptoms. Camden has landscape teams at all of our communities to diligently pick up leaves and clean pollen off the sidewalks and outside furniture. Don’t worry, pollen season doesn’t last all year!

Photo courtesy of By: Joanne Belcher. She is the Regional Landscape Director for all Camden communities in Florida. She enjoys anything that will bring her outside! Joanne has been with Camden for 12 years.