While residents of New Jersey who suffer from seasonal allergies have likely already begun to feel the effects of this year's pollen, experts predict that it's only going to get worse for these individuals in the coming days, reports The Star-Ledger.
The pollen count was high last week at 831 grains per cubic meter, but as the weather warms up, Leonard Bielory, an allergy and immunology specialist, says this figure will likely reach into the thousands.
The symptoms of a pollen allergy can be debilitating, so folks who endure this affliction each year should start taking the proper precautions to minimize the effects.
"People feel fatigued, they feel fogged, like their head is heavy," Catherine Monteleone, associate professor of medicine and board-certified allergist, said to the source about the reaction people have to this common allergen. "It is not just a runny nose."
Experts say that this pollen season probably won't be as bad as last year's since it has taken a bit longer for the weather to get warmer. However, they have suggested that it may actually feel worse since it will come on quickly instead of gradually like it did in 2012.
"I'm expecting the intensity to really pick up in the next couple weeks and persist from May until June," allergist Smruti Parikh told The Star-Ledger.
In addition to seeing a specialist and using any medication you've been prescribed to combat your allergies, there are other actions you can take to reduce your symptoms this season. You may want to consider investing in a whole house air purifier, which removes allergens directly from the air and makes it easier for you to breath inside your home. If you spend a lot of time in your vehicle, a car cabin air filter can prevent pollutants from getting into the passenger compartment.
