For some getting allergy shots is a life saver year round, but typically Spring and Fall are the worst. It all depends on the weather.
"Whenever it's a really moist winter like we had the plants which do what they do we'll probably expect a little bit better pollen season,” said Dr. Nugent of the Northern Nevada Allergy Clinic.
The wind plays a role too. The windier it is, the easier it is for plants to pollinate and for the pollen to get carried around.
Nicole Hilton lives in Truckee. There is still snow on the ground but she’s hoping the allergy shots will help through the summer months when everything does bloom.
"This year I just started taking allergy shots and I’m hoping it makes a huge difference,” said allergy sufferer Nicole Hilton.
Most people first start to develop allergies in their late teens and early 20’s. Hilton says she has been suffering for the past ten years.
"I'm hoping that just the day to day people aren't asking me, 'oh honey are you coming down with a cold?' If I could get out of that it would be great,” said Hilton.
The valley usually sees the pollen first but it’s only a matter of time before the Sierra does too. What makes our allergy season differ from other parts of the country is how dry it is here. Dr. Nugent says the drier the air the worse your allergies can be.
"Keeping your membranes moist is always helpful, so drinking plenty of fluids that is always helpful. Plenty of fluids, good night sleep does not hurt anyone. Irrigation, some people will use neti pots or saline wash to flush allergies out of the area,” said Dr. Nugent.
If that does not help, it might be time to see your doctor, and you would not be the only one. Northern Nevada Allergy Clinic gives out about a hundred shots a day.
