West Virginia Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms

The Appalachian Mountains’ natural beauty and the huge Shenandoah River are two of West Virginia’s most prominent tourist draws. Nonetheless, for people with allergies, it might be a difficult place to call home. Pollen counts tend to soar during allergy season because of the number of plants, the favorable climate, and the high levels of humidity.

You can avoid the misery of allergy season if you live in West Virginia. Read on to find out about West Virginia’s allergy season, including peak timing and treatment options.

When Is Allergy Season In West Virginia?

As far as allergy seasons go, West Virginia doesn’t have a super long one. Compared to other states, it’s very average. Often, early March marks the beginning of allergy season, which continues until the first severe winter frost, which typically occurs in late October or early November.

Peak Timing

West Virginians suffering from tree allergies will have their worst symptoms in the spring. Symptoms of a tree allergy typically begin in early March and last until late May. There are other allergens to be aware of, and each of them peaks at certain times throughout the year. Keep reading to learn more about which plants cause allergies in West Virginia and when to watch out for them.

Which Plants Cause Allergies In West Virginia?

Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds are the most common causes of seasonal allergies in West Virginia. Below, we’ll discuss how allergies to plants may change with the seasons.

Spring

West Virginians suffering from tree allergies will have their worst symptoms in the spring. Ash, birch, cedar, hickory, oak, privet, walnut, and willow are the most common culprits. Symptoms of a tree allergy typically begin in early March and last until late May.

Summer

In West Virginia, grass allergies are particularly bad in the summer. Bent, Bermuda, brome, fescue, orchard, Ryegrass, sweet vernal, and timothy grasses are the most common culprits among grass allergy sufferers. Commonly, this season will begin in May and run until the latter half of July.

Fall

West Virginians often experience a severe reaction to weeds in the fall. While ragweed pollen is the most common allergen, other common culprits include amaranth, orache, and wormwood. This time period begins in August and continues until the first significant freeze, which typically occurs in either October or November.

Winter

It’s true that West Virginians get a vacation from outdoor allergies in the winter, but it’s important to keep in mind that allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander all pose a threat year-round.

Common Allergy Symptoms

If you live in West Virginia, you can have any of these allergy symptoms:

• Asthma that is worse than usual
• Congestion
• Coughing
• Headaches
• Hives
• Inflammation of the larynx
• Irritated eyes
• Sinus drainage
• Sneezing

It’s important to remember that everyone’s reaction is different, but allergies typically trigger at least one of these symptoms.

Limiting Exposure

During allergy season, there are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure to pollen. This includes:

• Keep windows shut when pollen is high.
• Keep your dogs and cats clean.
• Know the current pollen count.
• Maintain a tidy dwelling.
• Manage the yard by mowing the lawn, pruning the trees, and pulling weeds.
• Showering often is encouraged.
• Wash your clothes frequently.
• Wear protective gear, such as a face mask, goggles, and a cap.

Allergy Medications

Rather than suffering during allergy season, you can take advantage of therapies and treatments to alleviate your symptoms. Even though reducing your exposure can help, you may still require medication during allergy season. For temporary relief from allergy symptoms, try an OTC drug. Antihistamines, eye drops, nasal sprays, and decongestants are just some of the typical choices. If these options don’t work, reach out to your doctor to see if they may want to prescribe you something stronger.

Allergy Testing

Given the abundance of airborne pollen during allergy season, isolating your individual allergen may prove to be a formidable challenge. One or more varieties of pollen may trigger an allergic reaction, or you may have indoor allergies. The only way to know for sure is to take an allergy test. If you haven’t had any success managing your symptoms or figuring out what’s causing them, it’s time to consult a specialist.

See An Allergist or Immunologist

A specialist such as an allergist or immunologist can give you specific allergy testing and may even prescribe you an option called immunotherapy. This is where small amounts of the allergen causing your symptoms are introduced into your system until you develop a stronger immunity to it. Many people choose to see their regular physician first, who can help them determine if this is the best route for them to take.

Click here to learn about all of the allergy seasons across the United States!

Up Next:

• Massachusetts Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms
• Arkansas Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms
• Vermont Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms