Tackling Summer Allergies: Prevention & Relief Tips That Work

In this article

1. How Long Do Summer Allergies Last?
2. What Are the Best OTC Medications for Allergies?
3. Can I Combine Allergy Medications?
4. How Can I Prevent Allergies?
5. What Should I Do if I'm Stung by a Bee or Wasp?
6. How Do You Handle Fire Ant Stings?
7. How Can I Avoid Food Allergies at Summer Gatherings?
8. What Should I Pack When Traveling with Allergies?
9. Watch the full video with Anne Ambs, FNP

1. How Long Do Summer Allergies Last?

The duration of pollen allergies depends on what you’re allergic to.

Tree pollen typically starts in early spring (around February) and can last for months.

Grass and weed pollen—common summer triggers—can continue thriving into late summer and early fall, especially through August and September. Because people spend more time outdoors during summer, symptoms may worsen even as seasons shift.

2. What Are the Best Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications for Allergies?

There are several effective over-the-counter options to manage symptoms:

• Antihistamines (like Zyrtec, Xyzal, Allegra, Claritin) help relieve runny nose and itching.
• Nasal antihistamine sprays target symptoms directly with fewer side effects like drowsiness.
• Steroid nasal sprays (Flonase, Nasacort, Nasonex) reduce inflammation and work best when used daily.
• Saline rinses offer a natural way to flush out pollen and irritants.

Switching antihistamines every few months may help if they lose effectiveness.

3. Can I Combine Allergy Medications?

Yes! Combining treatments can also help if your regular antihistamine stops helping, but should be done carefully to avoid side effects.

For example, using both a nasal antihistamine spray and a steroid nasal spray can help treat multiple symptoms like congestion and runny nose. This combination targets different pathways for more complete relief.

Visit a Cone Health Community Pharmacy for guidance.

4. How Can I Prevent Allergies?

While you can't always prevent an allergic reaction, you can make small lifestyle adjustments to reduce your pollen exposure:

• Wear sunglasses (especially wraparound styles) to protect your eyes.
• Wash your hands before touching your face.
• Shower after spending time outdoors to remove pollen.
• Keep windows closed during high pollen days.
• Replace HVAC filters regularly.
• Limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when pollen levels peak.

5. What Should I Do if I'm Stung by a Bee or Wasp?

Most insect stings cause mild reactions like pain, redness, or swelling. You can treat these symptoms with:

• Ice packs
• Anti-itch creams
• Antihistamines

However, watch for signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), including:

• Trouble breathing
• Hives
• Chest pain
• Nausea or vomiting

If symptoms affect two or more body systems, use epinephrine immediately and call 911.

6. How Do You Handle Fire Ant Stings?

If you disturb a fire ant mound:

1. Quickly brush ants off your skin to prevent multiple stings.
2. Move away from the area.
3. Wash the area and treat symptoms with ice, antihistamines, and creams.

As with other stings, seek emergency help if multiple body systems are affected.

7. How Can I Avoid Food Allergies at Summer Gatherings?

With frequent seasonal events like picnics and vacations, preparation is key:

• Ask about allergies when inviting guests.
• Read food labels carefully.
• Use substitutions for common allergens.
• Ensure epinephrine devices are current and accessible.

Food allergies affect about 1 in 10 people, so if you're hosting, it’s likely someone attending your event may have one. Ask guests in advance and offer allergy-friendly options. Trusted resources like Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) can help with substitutions.

8. What Should I Pack When Traveling with Allergies?

Before heading out:

• Check expiration dates on epinephrine devices.
• Bring all necessary medications.
• Review your emergency action plan, which outlines symptoms and treatment steps.

Newer options like nasal epinephrine sprays are more compact and easier to carry, making travel safer and more convenient.

Tackling Summertime Allergies

Watch the full WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Anne Ambs, FNP, with Cone Health Allergy & Asthma Center of NC, below.