Maine Allergy Season Is Here and My Allegra Is Working Overtime

If your eyes are itchy, your nose is running, and you’ve sneezed so many times that you’re starting to question your own structural integrity, welcome to allergy season in Maine.

And let me just say this personally: my seasonal allergies are a nightmare this time of year. I basically live on Allegra from now until Maine decides it’s done trying to murder me with tree dust.

According to WGME, pollen counts in Maine are on the rise after last week’s beneficial rain. In late May, tree allergens are usually the biggest problem, with oak, birch, and ash among the common springtime offenders. Grass allergens are also starting to increase as we get closer to summer, while weed and mold allergens are still relatively low right now.

Weather plays a huge role in how miserable allergy sufferers feel. Warm temperatures can drive pollen levels up, but dry and windy days are especially brutal because wind shakes pollen loose from trees and grass, then keeps it floating around in the air. Thunderstorms and sudden weather changes can also stir everything up and briefly make symptoms worse.

The Maine CDC also says pollen exposure can trigger sneezing, runny nose, congestion, red or watery eyes, and can even make asthma or other respiratory issues worse. They recommend keeping windows closed when pollen is high, showering or changing clothes after being outside, and using allergy medication as advised by your healthcare provider.

So if you see me this week looking tired, puffy, and slightly haunted, just know I’m not being dramatic. Well, maybe a little. But mostly, it’s Maine pollen season, and I am simply trying to survive one Allegra at a time.