3/19/12 Holy Pollen Batman!

Most of the Midwestern and Southeastern United States have had unseasonably warm temperatures in February and March. Record high temperatures have been set the last few days in cities like Chicago, Nashville, Louisville, Indianapolis, Huntsville, and St. Louis to name a few. Many of those same cities and a few more are expected to tie op break record highs through Wednesday of this week.

Those warm temperatures have caused a lot of trees and flowers to bloom earlier than normal, and at a record rate. Atlanta's pollen count today was 8164 which is not only the highest recorded count in Atlanta ever, but it shattered the previous record of 6013 back in 1999. The thing to note is that the previous record was set on April 12, which is when the highest amounts normally occur in the southeast.

Do you suffer from allergies, here's a few tips from WebMD: 

• Try to stay indoors whenever the pollen count is very high (pollen counts usually peak in the mornings). 
• Keep your doors and windows closed whenever possible during the spring months to keep allergens out. An air purifier may also help. 
• Clean the air filters in your home often. Also, clean bookshelves, vents, and other places where pollen can collect. 
• Wash your hair after going outside, because pollen can collect there.
• Vacuum twice a week. Wear a mask because vacuuming can kick up pollen, mold, and dust that were trapped in your carpet.
• Leave your shoes at the door. Pollen can be tracked inside on shoes, therefore it’s important to leave them outside or at the door during the peak of pollen season.
  

Sources: Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Asthma & Allergy Clinic, The Examiner