Spring has finally sprung, which means the stuffy noses, chunky coughs, and constant sneezing is making a seasonal comeback.
The familiar sight of yellow dust in the air marks the start of spring and another well-known period: allergy season.
For many students with allergies, this shift in weather often makes it difficult to keep up with the back-to-back rush of exams and standardized testing that take place during the spring months.
On top of these activities, spring often tends to be packed with big projects, club events, and outdoor activities, making daily life difficult to juggle with the addition of allergies.
School nurse Jennifer Harkestad has noticed the effect that allergies have on students, especially those who have a variety of commitments.
“Allergies can make people feel more noticeably tired than normal. This makes focusing on school, work, and sports more difficult when you’re coughing, sneezing, and having difficulty breathing all the time,” Harkestad said.
While most people look forward to seeing blooming flowers and trees, it is often these factors that cause allergic symptoms.
Pollen from trees and grass builds up quickly, especially on windy days, making things worse for students who walk or bike to school.
“Spring is a time of renewal when plants and flowers are blossoming. That is when their effects are the most significant because the release of pollen in the air is spread through wind and insects,” Harkestad said. “Common allergies affecting a lot of people this time of year are things like pollen, grass, and pet dander allergies.”
Allergies can make students feel equally as drained as having a cold. While students are often excused from school for things like illnesses, the same effect from allergies often goes unrecognized.
“Allergies can be very unpleasant, and I think sometimes people underestimate their effects on daily activities and energy levels,” Harkestand said. “Ignoring your symptoms can make you feel miserable, so do not brush them aside.”
Even simple things like remembering to wash your face after being outside can help keep symptoms from getting worse.
As these allergies can impact day-to-day student productivity, Harkestad recommends taking the time to prioritize health and well-being, along with taking the appropriate medication to ease the symptoms.
“It is important to drink lots of water and get enough rest and sleep daily,” Harkestad said. “There are also many over-the-counter medications that can provide relief such as Allegra, Claritin, and Benadryl.”
With these precautions, students can survive the spring months with fewer allergy-related disruptions to their daily routines and enjoy the rare warm weather.
