JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In terms of spring allergies, Jacksonville is the most challenging place to live in the state of Florida. That’s according to Spring Allergy Capitals 2014, a study done by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
The study takes into account an area’s pollen count, amount of medicine being utilized and how many allergists are available per patient.
According to the study, the River City doesn't only play host to the toughest allergy season in the state, it's 34th in the nation, up from a ranking of 52. Those results draw little surprise around town.
"I go through sneezing fits,” said Monique Henderson. “You sneeze about 10 times and then you can't breathe for a couple hours. And it's really bad in the morning."
"It's typically a bad season here year in and year out,” allergist Sanjay Swami said.
Swami says he wasn’t surprised at Jacksonville’s high ranking, especially following a long winter. He says we’re only now reaching the peak of the season.
"The pent-up pollen is being dispersed, so the levels have been fairly high lately,” Swami said.
Swami says despite the delayed release of the pollen, the allergy season should still wrap up in mid-May.
The experts say you should keep the windows closed in your home and car and recirculate air.
Take a shower at night and, if possible, use a salt water or distilled water rinse to cleanse your sinuses.
Be sure to stay inside early in the morning and late at night when pollen levels are at their highest.