There’s so many things I love about Spring – nicer weather, playing outside, flowers blooming… But the one the one thing I don’t love is how every time I go outside I start sneezing, my eyes start watering and it’s like I get an instant sore throat. It’s not only me – it’s my kids and even my dog too!
It’s hard to get pictures like this when they keep sneezing!
Thanks to the CVS Minute Clinic, I’m here to share some allergy facts with you that will help out your family for the next few months!
What IS an allergy?
An allergy is the body’s hypersensitivity to substances in the environment. Mold, dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some foods can cause allergic reactions.
What causes seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies are a reaction to small airborne substances. These allergens are small proteins that usually float around in the spring, summer and fall.
So, those springtime colds may actually be allergies?
Yes. A cold will typically clear up pretty quickly, within 7-10 days. Allergies may last weeks or even months!
Colds vs. Allergies
Did you know that 35 million Americans suffer from allergies and don’t even know it? That’s because many people confuse the symptoms of spring allergies with a common cold. Here’s what you need to know about the two:
- The main difference between a cold and allergies is that a cold is caused by a viral infection while allergy symptoms are caused by your body’s own immune system’s attempt to fight off an allergen.
- If you start sniffling and coughing at the same time each year and your symptoms come on suddenly, it may be allergies.
- If you have a cough, it’s probably a cold. Most people with a cold will have a cough, but not everyone with allergies has this symptom.
- If you’re aching all over, it’s probably a cold, not allergies. Aches and pains are not symptoms of allergies.
- Itchy eyes are a common symptom of allergies but RARELY occur with the common cold!
- If you have a fever, it’s not allergies! A fever is sometimes present with a cold, but will never occur with allergies.
Treatment and Relief:
How can I protect my family and myself?
Symptoms can usually be controlled with treatment. Nasal saline, decongestants and over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may help relieve symptoms as well.
So, how do I get allergy relief?
There are plenty of options! At MinuteClinic, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants can recommend the right over-the-counter medications and write prescriptions when medically appropriate.
If you’re diagnosed with allergies, medication may help relieve your symptoms. The best way to treat allergies is to avoid the allergen – whatever it may be.
I love that I can head to the MinuteClinic to take care of something like allergies quickly – no waiting for my doctor or our pediatrician! If you’re one of the 35 million people that suffer from allergies too, you can also head to CVS to take care of them!
Do you suffer from spring allergies?
Disclosure: I received compensation for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I’m pretty lucky and I don’t have to worry about allergies much- I do have some loved ones that suffer from them though. Being knowledgeable about triggers and treatment is key.
My allergies are starting to kick in to high gear. I need to start taking some meds.
The allergies really get bad this time of the year, and I need to get some medication to help me with it! CVS really does have great deals on allergy medicine!
Until I moved to Florida from Rhode Island, I thought I had mild allergies. Now, I think they’re more like moderate.
I have TERRIBLE seasonal allergies. When spring rolls around, my eyes turn into swollen, red tear factories, and my nose runs like a faucet. It’s horrible.
I have seasonal allergies and they’ve been kicking my butt for the last week. I wish I could find a good over the counter medicine that works without making me drowsy all day.
I have allergies but I’ve learned to keep them at bay naturally! No more Zyrtec, Allegra, an
Sorry my phone cut me off…
No more antibiotics! We are a much happier family! Yeah!
our entire family suffers from seasonal allergies! It’s so bad. They are not fun. Thankfully we have the Dr’s help in treating it. Cause it is not fun having constantly watering itchy eyes, stuffed nose and itchy throat!
I do get spring allergies and mine is starting right now. I can tell because my eyes itch a lot. Ugh, better head top the pharmacy!
I did not have allergies when i was a child. I have been getting allergies now that i am older. I hate the itchy watery eyes.
I always wonder if it is allergies or something else. We love CVS and have been customers for more than 10 years.
I know my five year old has allergies. It is sad to see how itchy, watery, and puffy her little eyes get.
My nephew has allergies year round, because he is pretty much allergic to everything. I never had any allergies as a kid, but now that I’m older, I think I have developed some allergies, because I have had the watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.
My daughter has allergies. We have used the CVS Minute clinic several times!
As a certified school nurse, I would like to say that a cough can sometimes be the only symptom of asthma triggered by allergies, so you don’t want to automatically think it’s a cold with that. If the cough sounds tight or sharp, it is better to take the child to be seen to determine if they have asthma.
Allergies are the wrost- we have this is it or isn’t it debate every single year! Thank you for this list- I think we will be employing it this week!
This is incredibly helpful. My kids didn’t realize they had allergies until their twenties.
Everyone in my house have pretty bad allergies. We are always trying to find something to help
Hi Melissa – Wow – talking about allergies – the winds were like primitive here early this AM at 6000 ft altitude and the pollen is covering everything. Yes , I was thinking I was ill for the past couple of days – but, now I know it’s allergies! Very timely post!
When the trees started blooming, I had horrible allergies. Then it turned into what i thought was a cold. They are so similar sometimes. I’m just glad it’s gone!
My children’s allergies have started acting up recently! I love going to CVS to stock up on allergy medicine!
Allergies are so bad here right now in New England! It’s a good thing we have a CVS on every corner! =)
My husband and I suffer from seasonal allergies. Different things though trigger our reactions. I have an issue with cottonwood. This time of year I am well stocked for my allergy needs.
I feel for those who suffer from allergies. Little kids who have them just break my heart. I’m impressed with CVS and all of the changes and offerings they have now.
I always get “sick” during the Spring and people think I am actually sick. It’s just allergies! Love that CVS helps!
We are pretty miserable over here in Vegas already! Love the temps, hate the nose!
I don’t suffer from spring allergies, but my husband does.
Thanks for sharing all this great information about allergies. I have one eye that will water a lot off and on through the year no itching or puffiness though and I always wondered if it might be allergies.
I don’t suffer from allergies, but my mom does. She actually has them year round. She has tried everything but nothing helps completely.