From: www.itworld.com

The Other Spring Fever

by Carole Bodger

May 3, 2001 —

Ah, the glories of spring: The trees blossom, the flowers bloom, and the sneezes resound. For the 35.9 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis -- a.k.a. hay fever -- spring heralds a crop of discomforts. Here are a few steps to help you ease the sneezes.

1. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Use a machine with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter to catch the smallest particles instead of stirring them up.

2. Clean air filters and ducts. HEPA filtering systems, electrostatic filters and other devices can help.

3. Watch local pollen counts. Call 800 9-POLLEN (800 976-5536) for National Allergy Bureau reports.

4. Close the windows. Keep the windows in your house and car closed when the pollen count is high.

5. Know thy remedies. Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction. Histamine is responsible for flulike symptoms.

6. Don't forget the pets. Allergic reactions can intensify when dogs and cats shed their winter coats in the spring.

7. Consult an allergist. If you've got it bad, consider immunotherapy (a series of shots with increasing doses of allergens). Prescription medications can also help your sniffles.

CIO