Hay fever primary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

• Avoiding exposure to pollen is the best way to decrease allergic symptoms.^[1]
• Remain indoors in the morning and evening when outdoor pollen levels are highest.
• Wear face masks designed to filter out pollen if you must be outdoors.
• Keep windows closed and use the air conditioner if possible in the house and car.
• Do not dry clothes outdoors.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to other environmental irritants such as insect sprays, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and fresh tar or paint.
• Avoid mowing the grass or doing other yard work, if possible. Avoid fields and large areas of grassland.
• Regular hand- and face-washing removes pollen from areas where it is likely to enter the nose.
• A small amount of petroleum jelly around the eyes and nostrils will stop some pollen from entering the areas that cause a reaction
• Avoid bicycling or walking – instead use a method of confined transportation such as a car.
• Wear sunglasses, which reduce the amount of pollen entering the eyes.

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