Spring is here, which means flowers are blooming, clouds are parting, and the days are getting longer. However, for many Americans, spring only means one thing: It’s allergy season. If sneezing, congestion, itching, and watery eyes are common for you in the springtime, you aren’t alone. More than 50 million Americans live with allergies. The city you live in may make your symptoms even worse. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the most difficult cities to live in with allergies in 2022 are:
- Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Wichita, Kansas
- McAllen, Texas
- Richmond, Virginia
- San Antonio, Texas
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Buffalo, New York
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Albany, New York
Conversely, the following cities ranked as the least challenging to live in as a seasonal allergy sufferer:
- Seattle, Washington
- Durham, North Carolina
- San Francisco, California
- San Jose, California
- Portland, Oregon
- Sacramento, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Provo, Utah
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Fresno, California
These scores were calculated based on several factors, including spring and autumn pollen scores, over-the-counter allergy medicine use, and availability of board-certified allergists and immunologists.
Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
If you live in one of the worst cities for seasonal allergies, it may not be practical to simply pack up and move. However, there are some things you can do to manage your symptoms. Visiting an allergist to understand which specific allergens trigger your symptoms is a good start. Then, you can check pollen counts and forecasts to plan your day accordingly. The following steps will also help.
- Keep doors and windows closed when pollen counts are high. Improve indoor air quality with a HEPA filter in your HVAC system or an air purifier.
- Take a shower immediately after outdoor activities, and then put on fresh, clean clothes.
- Wash your bedding frequently in hot water.
- Avoid line drying clothes and bedding outdoors.
Are you feeling bested by allergy symptoms? Fortunately, you don’t need to leave your house for an urgent care visit! MeMD can provide the immediate care you need during a virtual visit with a licensed provider.
