Spring is in the air, and with it all the lovely scents of flowers blooming, grass being cut, pollen and spores carried on the wind – all the things that make our noses run and our eyes water. If you want some tips for managing your allergies this year instead of sneezin’ through the season, read on.

Manage pollen

Try to stay inside between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when pollen counts tend to peak. Schedule outdoor activities for late afternoon when pollen counts are usually lower. Pollen is carried by the wind, so limit your outdoor time on particularly windy days, too. Keep your grass short and wear a mask if you have to mow it yourself, and wash your bedding in hot water every week to ensure it’s clean and pollen-free. If you’ve been out in the wind or mowing, change clothes and shower when you come back in the house.

Spring cleaning

Ramp up your spring cleaning routine to focus on dusting and vacuuming every surface in your house. This helps limit dust and chemical exposure. Vacuum and mop your floors regularly to keep allergens to a minimum.

Dry clothes inside

Use a clothes dryer or an inside clothesline instead of an outdoor one to keep pollen off your clothes.

Keep your air clean

Turn on an air conditioner instead of opening your windows to limit allergens from outside. Avoid window and attic fans, which just blow allergens into your home. Also consider getting an indoor air purifier with a HEPA filter to trap as many allergens as possible, but have someone else change the filter for you as needed.

Keep your pets off the furniture

Pollen can cling to the fur of your cat or dog and follow them into the house. If you have pets that spend time outside, try to keep them off the bed and furniture, and consider washing them more often in the spring.

Use medication

There are several over-the-counter allergy relief options, so spend some time researching which one is right for your symptoms. If your allergies seem particularly severe or out of control, it may be time to check in with an allergist – often an ear, nose and throat specialist. Talk with your primary care doctor to discuss your best options for allergy relief and treatment.