Prime pollen season has metro Atlanta residents battling runny noses, watery eyes

METRO ATLANTA — You might have noticed the outdoor world around you taking on the all-too-familiar, powdery, yellow coating of this years “pollen season.” Late March and early to mid-April is the time of the season where pollen counts often hits four figures, leaving metro Atlanta residents running to the store for medication and fighting a never-ending battle to keep their cars clean.

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Three out of the past four days, according to Atlanta Allergy and Asthma, the measure of pollen in the air has been well over a thousand. On Saturday, the level sits at 937.

Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon spoke to several Atlanta residents about what triggers their allergies during the spring bloom.

“As soon as I start sneezing, I know,” said Terrence Mays. “I’ll probably use more hand sanitizer. That’s pretty much it and probably wash my hands, but yeah, I definitely see more now.

Deon spoke with Dr. Erinn Gardner, an allergist for Atlanta Allergy and Asthma, about suggestions for limiting pollen exposure for the highly sensitive. Gardner said it’s a good idea to take a shower after being outside to help get the coating of pollen off your skin and out of your hair.

Gardner said it’s also easy for the dust to get in your home. But there are ways to control that too.

“It’s a good idea to keep the windows closed and air conditioner on,” Gardner said. “That way the pollen is not getting into your household.”

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Deon also asked Gardner why pollen counts haven’t reached the extremely high range that hit metro Atlanta during the same time in 2021.

“The temperatures have been a little cooler over the past month,” Gardner said. “That coupled with some rain can actually decrease the pollen counts.”

Shirley T. said she has been dealing with a runny nose and irritated eyes for the past few of weeks. She says she’ll try and adjust to the overwhelming amount of pollen as best she can.

“It’s horrible, I didn’t have allergies until I moved to Atlanta,” Shirley said.

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