Different allergens come and go with every season throughout the year. But there's a lot you can do to manage your allergies so that you can spend time outdoors and still help control your symptoms no matter what time of year it is.

•  Spring
•  Summer
•  Fall
•  Winter

Spring Allergy Tips

Beginning as early as February, invisible pollens from hardwood deciduous trees are big troublemakers for many allergy sufferers. But there's no reason to be miserable. These tips can help you minimize your exposure to allergens, and Claritin^® can provide non-drowsy relief from allergy symptoms. For more information on tree pollens, visit the Claritin^® Allergen Guide.

• Start taking Claritin^® allergy products as soon as symptoms start.
  Having medication on hand will help you prepare for allergy symptoms.
• Know your nemesis.
  When you understand what triggers your allergy symptoms, you can make an extra effort to avoid it. For example, grass pollen levels rise when grass is disturbed, so if that's one of your triggers, wear a mask when mowing or avoid mowing altogether.
• Beat the clock.
  Peak pollen production occurs in early morning, so try to plan outside activities at other times of the day.
• Check the forecast.
  Avoid going outdoors when counts are high. Also, heavy rains wash pollen from the air, making post-shower outings more comfortable. Beware of dry, windy days when pollen can be particularly intense. (Get the pollen and mold spore counts and weather forecast for your area and sign up for the Claritin^® Allergy Forecast.)
• Use as directed.
  Be diligent about taking medications precisely according to the directions on the package. Adhere to the dosage directions.
• Mask your symptoms.
  Buy yourself some relief by wearing an inexpensive painter's mask when you're working in the garden or doing other outside chores. It can provide additional protection from pollens.
• The change will do you good.
  A quick shower and a fresh change of clothes will take care of pollens that may have collected on hair or fabrics while you were outside.
• Wash wisely.
  Shower and wash hair every night to remove pollen. Don't line-dry clothes outside.
• Clear the air.
  When driving, keep windows up and set the air conditioner on recirculate. At home, keep windows closed. Use air conditioning and change filters often.
• Cover up.
  Cover air conditioning vents with cheesecloth for additional pollen filtration.

Summer Allergy Tips

During the summer months, grass pollen fills the air across much of North America. There are many types of grasses, and several of them have long seasons. In the southern United States, Bermuda grass is found nearly year-round. Consider these pointers for people whose everyday schedules change in the summer. For more information on grass pollens, visit the Claritin^® Allergen Guide.

• Take Claritin^® allergy products as soon as you begin to have symptoms.
  Having medication with you will help you control your allergy symptoms before they control your lifestyle.
• Avoid yard work that may increase your exposure to pollen and molds, such as mowing, raking and weeding.
  If you must do yard work, wear a pollen-filtering mask.
• Post reminders to take medication in visible places.
  Like on the refrigerator.
• Take medication at the same time each day.
  During breakfast, for example.
• If you need to take medication during the day, carry it with you.
• Buy a watch with an alarm and set it to go off every day when it's time to take your medicine.
  That way, you won't be distracted by summer fun and forget to take it.
• Use as directed.
  Be diligent about taking medications precisely according to the directions on the package. Adhere to the dosage directions.

Fall Allergy Tips

You know it's coming. There's no way to stop it. It's the onslaught of weed pollen that comes out every year from August until October and triggers your allergy symptoms. Planning ahead can help you manage your allergy symptoms. Follow these steps to minimize your exposure. For more information on weed pollens or mold spores, visit the Claritin^® Allergen Guide.

• Stay indoors during peak pollen production, usually during early morning.
• Monitor pollen counts and adjust outdoor activities accordingly.
  Dry, windy days, especially after a rainy day, can be particularly high in pollen.
• After you've been outside, change your clothes and take a quick shower.
  Pollen from the air can collect on your clothes and hair.
• Pollen can also get inside your car.
  When traveling, keep windows rolled up and use your air conditioner on recirculate to reduce exposure.
• Avoid areas that are breeding grounds for molds.
  Basements, garages, crawl spaces, barns, compost heaps, woodpiles and fallen leaves.
• Keep the yard free of fallen leaves.
• Store firewood outdoors.
• Use as directed.
  Be diligent about taking medications precisely according to the directions on the package. Adhere to the dosage directions.

Winter Allergy Tips

Even in the winter, you're not entirely free from your allergies. Since you're often inside behind tightly closed doors and storm-sealed windows, you're bound to be joined by troublesome household allergens!

Indoor Allergy Tips >

Indoor allergens such as molds, dust mites, animal dander and other irritants can exacerbate your allergy symptoms. Knowing your triggers and limiting exposure to these allergens can help you control your symptoms.

•  Molds
•  Household
•  Pets
•  Holidays

Molds

Molds are in full force during late summer and autumn—especially in the South and Midwest—due to decaying vegetation. Parasitic fungi are also numerous during harvest time, when their spores become airborne. Controlling mold growth, avoiding places where molds tend to grow, and minimizing activities that can stir up mold spores will reduce your exposure:

• Prevent mold with regular bathroom, laundry room and basement cleanings.
  Check for mold or rot on carpet pads. Put wet clothes in the dryer right away.
• Avoid areas that are breeding grounds for molds.
  Basements, garages, crawl spaces, barns, compost heaps, woodpiles and fallen leaves.
• Keep the humidity in your house below 50% to discourage mold growth.
  If humidity is high, use air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Also consider installing a dehumidifier in the basement or other damp, enclosed areas.
• Use an exhaust fan over the stove and in the bathroom to remove extra humidity generated by cooking and showering.
• Air out damp clothes and shoes before putting them away.
• Don't leave damp laundry lying in the washing machine for long periods of time.
• Clean the refrigerator and empty the water pan regularly, and discard spoiling food promptly.
• Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles, grouting and fixtures with mold-killing and mold-preventing solutions.
• Use machine-washable bath mats in the bathroom.
• After leaving the shower, be sure to stretch out the curtain to deter mildew.
• Keep indoor plants to a minimum, since soil encourages mold growth.
• Wear a mask if you transplant houseplants or dig around in the soil.
  Also, immediately empty the water that seeps into the saucers under plants when they're watered.
• Even dried flowers, including holiday wreaths, often contain molds.
• Open curtains to allow drying sunlight to shine in.
• Avoid using pillows, mattresses and furniture that are filled with foam rubber, since sweat makes them moldy.
  Instead, choose items labeled "hypoallergenic."
• If you use a humidifier, follow the manufacturer's directions closely and thoroughly clean equipment regularly.
  If the humidifier gets moldy, it can spray allergenic spores into the air you breathe. Consider using a steam vaporizer, since most molds don't survive in boiling hot water.
• Consider using a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.
  Especially if you also use a humidifier, to pick up any mold spores that enter the air.
• Use as directed.
  Be diligent about taking medications precisely according to the directions on the package. Adhere to the dosage directions.

Household

Household allergens can be difficult to manage, but it's not impossible to reduce your exposure to them. Since they tend to exist in our homes year-round, it's important to follow a few simple tips to lower the allergens in your home environment:

• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning.
  Don't use fans; they stir up dust. Also, keep the house dry.
• Limit the use of fireplaces.
  Keep burning time to a minimum, and always dispose of ashes as soon as possible.
• Don't allow smoking in the house.
• Filter the air.
  Use a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter and place filtering material like cheesecloth over air vents.
• Use dust-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows.
• Try to remove cockroaches and the things that attract them.
• Use as directed.
  Be diligent about taking medications precisely according to the directions on the package. Adhere to the dosage directions.

Pets

Taking Claritin^® for non-drowsy relief can help you manage your allergy symptoms. Here are a few important facts about pet allergies:

• If you or your family members are allergic to pets, remember:
  The real culprit is an allergen found in the animal's saliva or urine, which they transfer to their skin and fur.
• Cats may cause more allergy problems than dogs.
  Simply because they tend to lick their fur or skin a lot, spreading the allergen onto their bodies.
• Be more aware of your exposure to pets, especially cats.
  Remember, even animals that don't shed can cause allergies.
• Rodents and rabbits may also be allergenic.
  If you're allergic to these pets, consider adopting one of these pets: fish, hermit crabs, iguanas or snakes.
• Use as directed.
  Be diligent about taking medications precisely according to the directions on the package. Adhere to the dosage directions.

The Holidays

The holiday season is a time of good cheer, family gatherings and celebrations. As you plan the festivities, remember these tips to help you and your family enjoy a symptom-less season:

• Check the filter on your furnace or heating system.
  consider installing a new one as the holiday season approaches.
• Blow out the candles! Consider replacing your wick candles with electric ones.
  If artificial candles are out of the question, use unscented beeswax candles instead of those scented with chemical preparations.
• Save a tree. The pollens and resin of most cut and living pine trees can be irritants, making artificial trees a good alternative.
  If you opt for a live tree, wrap it in a sealed plastic casing until you bring it indoors. Wear gloves when you handle the tree, as some pine-tree resins are allergenic to the touch.
• Take care with artificial trees.
  Wipe artificial trees and wreaths with a cloth when you take them out of storage to eliminate any dust mites and mold that may have accumulated.
• Beware of fire.
  Be sure you have an air-filtration system in the same room as your wood stove or fireplace. Open a window an inch or so to ventilate smoke fumes.
• Call ahead.
  Let party hosts know about your allergies and ask them to designate outside areas for pets and smokers. If necessary, bring allergy-free foods for yourself and other guests to enjoy.
• Clean with caution.
  Preparing for the holidays usually means cleaning, dusting, and even painting. Prevent allergy flare-ups by wearing a dust mask and gloves, dusting with a damp sponge or mop, and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter or double bag.
• Stock up.
  Keep medicines and supplies on hand, especially when you go out.
• Use as directed.
  Be diligent about taking medications precisely according to the directions on the package. Adhere to the dosage directions.