Navigating Allergy Season: Everything You Need To Know
As the snow melts and spring settles in, allergy season kicks into high gear across Canada. For millions, this means sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and congested sinuses, but for healthcare practitioners, it’s also a time to support patients through prevention and symptom management. Whether you’re a healthcare worker or someone dealing with seasonal allergies, understanding the patterns and management options is key to a healthy season ahead.
What Triggers Allergy Season
- Seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis) are typically triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. In most regions of Canada:
- Tree pollen peaks in the spring (April–May)
- Grass pollen dominates late spring and early summer (May–July)
- Weed pollen, especially ragweed, is highest in late summer and fall (August–October)
Weather patterns can influence the timing and intensity of allergy season. For example, mild winters often lead to an earlier onset, which has been observed in recent years (Doctors of BC).
Recognizing the Symptoms
- Allergy symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and often mimic cold or flu. These may include:
- Sneezing and nasal congestion
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Post-nasal drip and scratchy throat
- Fatigue and irritability
For people with asthma, allergies can also exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of asthma attacks (Asthma Canada).
Simple Strategies for Symptom Relief
- Managing allergies starts with awareness and prevention. Here are a few helpful strategies:
- Check local pollen forecasts and plan outdoor activities for later in the day when pollen counts are lower.
- Keep windows closed and use air conditioning with clean filters to reduce indoor allergens.
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outside to prevent tracking pollen indoors.
- Be mindful of food-related triggers, particularly for those with Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS), where certain raw fruits and vegetables may cause cross-reactive symptoms (Food Allergy Canada).
When to Seek Medical Advice
If symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Treatment options for relief may include:
- Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays
- Allergen immunotherapy for long-term management
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and educating patients about seasonal allergies and potential complications.
Join the Team That Supports Better Care
At Carecor Health Services, we recognize the important role healthcare professionals have especially during high demand times like allergy season. This is when so many Canadians rely on their providers for support and relief.
We also know that caring for others starts with caring for yourself. That’s why we’re committed to offering flexible work opportunities that support work-life balance, well-being, and professional growth.
If you’re a nurse, personal support worker, or health professional looking to make a difference in patient care while enjoying flexible work opportunities, we invite you to join our team!