Virginia Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms

Virginia’s allergy season is nothing to sneeze at! When that pollen period begins, the yellow-covered cars are a sign that things are about to get pretty bad. Thankfully, having the right knowledge can help allergy sufferers avoid the worst of it, or at least be up to date on the best practices to help treat symptoms. Today, we will be looking at Virginia’s allergy season to learn its peak, timing, symptoms, and more! Let’s get started.

When is Allergy Season in Virginia?

Allergy season in Virginia typically runs from late February to summer, with peak season occurring in April, May, and June. According to Virginia Ear Nose & Throat, these months are usually the worst for most allergy sufferers. The most common allergens in the state include tree pollen, grass pollen, and ragweed. These allergens can cause all-too-common symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. more severe allergy sufferers may even experience shortness of breath and mild asthmatic symptoms.

It’s important to note that the exact timing of allergy season in Virginia can vary depending on the weather conditions of the winter before. For example, a mild winter can lead to an early start to allergy season, while a cold or wet spring can delay it. Regardless, Virginians with allergies should be prepared for symptoms throughout the spring, summer, and fall months, and pay attention to local pollen counts for the most accurate information since things can fluctuate daily.

Which Plants Cause Allergies in Virginia?

One of the primary causes of allergies in Virginia is tree pollen. Tree pollen can trigger symptoms as early as February since trees release their pollen sooner than other plants. Trees such as oak, hickory, maple, and mulberry are known to be particularly allergenic. As the spring progresses, grass pollen also becomes a common allergen. Bermuda, timothy, and fescue being the primary grasses that can cause allergies. In the fall, ragweed and other weeds such as wormwood, amaranth, and marsh elder are the main allergens, with ragweed being one of the most prevalent and most allergen-inducing statistically.

It’s important to note that different regions of Virginia will have different allergens that are more prevalent. For example, in Roanoke, Harrisonburg, and Shenandoah National Park, oak, hickory, maple, and mulberry trees are known to cause the worst allergies in spring. In Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and Danville, oak, ash, and maple trees are the most allergenic. In Virginia Beach/Norfolk, allergies begin in spring, with hickory, oak, walnut, and cedar tree pollen, while during summer, the main grass allergen is rye. For fall, marsh elder causes the most problems along the coastal plain. Locality is extremely important when it comes to determining which allergens are most prevalent in an area, especially in a state as geographically diverse as Virginia.

Best Ways to Help Allergies in Virginia

Managing allergies in Virginia can be challenging since the state has different allergens depending on the region, and the timing of the allergy season can vary. Medications, immunotherapy, air filters and purifiers, and allergen avoidance are some of the most effective ways to help symptoms.

Medication

Medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and combination drugs can be used to help reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose, and relieve nasal congestion.

Allergy Shots/Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is another option for managing allergies in Virginia. This treatment involves receiving a series of injections of small amounts of the allergen that causes your symptoms. The goal of gradually increasing your tolerance to the allergen over time. Ear, Nose, and Throat centers should be able to help administer these. They usually take at least a year to complete.

Filters and Purifiers

Air filters and purifiers can also be an effective way to physically reduce exposure to pollen and allergens in your home. HEPA filters can trap extremely small particles like pollen and spores. Electronic air purifiers or UV lights can ionize particles and make them too heavy to stay in the air. These devices only work in the room they are placed in. So, keep them nearby when you are sitting at home!

Avoidance

Allergen avoidance is another key strategy in managing allergies in Virginia. It includes things like staying indoors on days when pollen counts are high (check your local weather), keeping windows and doors closed, avoiding activities that can stir up allergens like mowing the lawn, and avoiding pets, especially those with fur. Also, cleaning your home more often during the allergy season (with a mask) can be helpful.

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