We're not quite two weeks in to February, and while much of the Northeast and Midwest is literally digging out from under a few feet of snow, in other parts of the country, there have already been a couple days of high pollen counts. In Atlanta, the Easter lilies have been in bloom for almost a week, and much like last year, spring pollen season is likely coming early for many allergy sufferers.

Last year, the sneezing started earlier due to a warmer winter, and for much of the country this is again the case. Now, if you're sitting under three feet of snow right now in Boston, this doesn't really apply, but the spring allergy season there typically trails the start in the southeast, south and west.

Spring allergy season is an annual event marked by plenty of sneezing, congestion and in some places, a putrid green-yellow dust covering everything. In more recent years, milder winter temperatures and heavier rainfall has led trees, grasses and other plants all beginning to bloom earlier in the year, effectively prolonging the season. The same is likely going to be true for this year.

Most people are familiar with seasonal allergies and the symptoms they bring, including, sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, sinus pressure, swelling, and a sore throat. Avoiding the pollen of spring is difficult for many but by making a few slight changes to your everyday routine, you can can reduce much of your exposure.

• Check the pollen count - Most local forecasts give you a pollen count and the types of pollen that are prevalent on any given day. You can also find this information relatively quickly online or through many of the weather apps available for your mobile.
• Take your shoes off - Kicking your shoes off at the door can keep you from tracking pollen in and all through your home.
• Keep the windows closed - Open windows let in a fresh, spring breeze, but they also allow unwanted guests like windwalking pollens. Window filters can remove much of the pollen in the air and still allow some air to pass through.
• Replace your furnace filter - After a winter of being shut in more than usual and using the furnace, your HVAC or furnace filter is likely long overdue for a change. Most filters use simple particle filtration but some have electrostatic properties that boost filtering ability. Electrostatic filters generally only last about three months before they are full of particulate, so regular replacement is a must.
• Irrigate - I'm not talking about your lawn. Instead, nasal irrigation is a quick and easy way to wash away allergens that can accumulate in airways and throat. Removing them with a saline rinse not only moisturizes but also reduces reactions by flushing the allergen out of your system.

These are just a few ways you can prepare and cope with spring allergies. While you cannot eliminate pollen, you can take these simple steps to reduce their impact (and your misery) during this time of year.

Author: Kevin Gilmore