Yes, allergies often flare up in the fall, driven primarily by high levels of ragweed pollen, which peak from late August until the first hard frost, and mold spores from decaying leaves. Symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion, with risks lasting from September through November.

Why do my allergies get worse in the fall?

While most people associate allergies with springtime, the other peak season is right around the corner. “While spring allergies are caused by tree pollen, fall allergies are caused by weeds, with ragweed being the biggest culprit,” says Dr.

What are the symptoms of fall allergies?

These may include a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance the body identifies as harmful (allergen).

Can allergies be bad in October?

Although seasonal allergies typically peak during the months of April, May and June – they can also pack a punch September through December.

What allergy is bad in the fall?

What Causes Fall Allergies? Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. Though it usually starts to release pollen with cool nights and warm days in August, it can last into September and October. About 75% of people allergic to spring plants also have reactions to ragweed.

Health Check: Fall allergies flare up

How to fix fall allergies?

Many allergy medications and nasal sprays that used to be prescription are now available over the counter. If fall is your peak allergy season, you may need to do a combination of medications, eye drops and nasal sprays. Some people may need allergy medication daily, while others may only need it a few times a week.

Why are allergies so bad right now in 2025?

Allergy seasons are likely getting longer and symptoms are worsening in recent years due to climate change, pollution, and other factors. Get ahead of symptoms by starting medication early, closing windows, tracking ragweed counts, and getting a dehumidifier at home.

How to tell if allergies or sick?

To tell if you're sick or have allergies, check for fever, body aches, and sudden onset (more likely sick), or itchy eyes/throat and clear, watery mucus with symptoms lasting all season (more likely allergies), but remember some symptoms overlap, so a doctor's visit or COVID test is best if unsure.
 

How to know if pollen levels are high?

Pollen grains are often measured using the rotorod technique. This uses greased silicone rods to collect particles from the air, often over 24 hours3. Some devices are capable of measuring pollen counts over a period of several days4. Pollen counts of 50 or less are considered low, while 1,000 or more is very high5.

What's the worst month for allergies?

The worst allergy months vary by region but typically include March to May (tree pollen), June to August (grass pollen), and September to November (weed pollen). Preparation tips include monitoring local pollen counts and starting allergy medications early for proactive management.

What is the best medicine for seasonal allergies?

Try an over-the-counter remedy

They include: Oral antihistamines. Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. Examples of oral antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy) and loratadine (Claritin, Alavert).

What does allergy fatigue feel like?

Allergy fatigue results from the immune system overreacting to allergens. Allergy fatigue is an intense sense of tiredness and lack of energy often associated with the body's reaction to allergens. This feeling of exhaustion is not merely a result of poor sleep quality due to common allergy symptoms.

Can fall allergies make you feel sick?

Specific cytokines, such as interleukins, can contribute to the overall feeling of malaise or sickness during allergic reactions. Allergens can irritate mucous membranes in the nose, throat, and eyes, leading to symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and itchy eyes.

Why are my allergies so bad all of a sudden?

Your allergies might suddenly be worse due to longer, more intense allergy seasons (climate change), moving to a new area with different plants, infections, hormonal shifts, new medications, increased exposure to indoor allergens (pets, dust mites, mold), or even genetics, all triggering your immune system to react more strongly to substances it previously tolerated. Your body can simply "turn on" allergies as an adult, surprising you with new food or environmental triggers.

What am I allergic to in autumn?

Most of the autumn allergies people experience in the UK are down to mould spores and dust mites. The damp weather increases the number of airborne mould spores, while fungal spores can be found both inside and outside the home.

What do fall allergies feel like?

Allergies are your body's way of overreacting to things like ragweed pollen, mold or dust. Common symptoms include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes and sometimes an itchy throat or ears. You usually won't get a fever. Your symptoms can last for weeks if you're around the trigger.

What foods help fight allergies?

One way to naturally support your immune system during allergy season is to incorporate healthy foods into your diet.

• Yogurt and food with live cultures. ...
• Turmeric. ...
• Apples. ...
• Fish. ...
• Nuts. ...
• Oranges. ...
• Local honey.

What are the 7 allergy symptoms?

Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

• Itchy, watery eyes.
• Itchy nose.
• Sneezing.
• Runny nose.
• Rashes.
• Hives (a rash with raised red patches)
• Stomach cramps.
• Vomiting.

Does RSV feel like allergies?

Allergies won't cause a fever.

The symptoms of RSV, fall allergies and COVID-19 can look very similar with one major exception—a fever. Each of these ailments can cause significant runny nose, congestion, eye irritation and even some cough. But allergies should not cause any type of temperature spike.

What vitamin deficiency causes allergies?

Vitamin D. Our researchers found infants who are vitamin D deficient were three times more likely to have an egg allergy and 11 times more likely to have a peanut allergy.

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