4/15/2026
•
Posted by Fidelis Care
in
Health and Wellness
Do you suffer from allergies every spring? Then it’s time to play defense.
Think of pollen as an opponent you’re trying to beat in a game. If you don’t have your defense team in line when the pollen attacks, then the pollen’s sure to win.
You can improve your chances of staying in the game by getting your defense team ready. In allergy season, that means taking your medication early. Even if you don’t feel symptoms from spring allergies yet, starting medication early can help you feel better as allergy season gets worse.
Allergy medications like antihistamines work best when they have time to get ahead of your symptoms. That’s because they block histamine, a chemical your body makes during an allergic reaction. They can calm your body’s allergy response before it builds up. If you wait until you feel really bad, it may take longer to feel relief.
That’s why it often helps to start an antihistamine before symptoms get bad. It’s also important to take the medication regularly, usually every day. Always follow the label.
Many people start with over-the-counter antihistamine, which can help with sneezing, itchy eyes, or a runny nose. You can find these medications at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Popular choices are Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Xyzal.
If your biggest problem is a stuffy nose, a steroid nasal spray (like Flonase or Nasonex) may help the most. These sprays can take a few days (or longer) to work their best, so starting them early is also a good idea.
If your symptoms are strong, your healthcare provider may suggest other options. These could include a combination of prescriptions, or allergy shots or tablets that you take over time.
Check in with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to choose the safest option for you. This is especially true if you’re pregnant, have chronic health conditions, take other medications, or are choosing medication for a child.
Don’t wait until your allergy symptoms have run up the score in pollen’s favor. A defensive plan – started early – can help you stay in the game all season.
Sources