Report: What to expect this allergy season and tips on how to best protect yourself

More than 50 million Americans experience seasonal allergies, and this year, the Allergy and Asthma Network predicts that spring will be a high risk allergy season due to warmer and drier weather, especially in the months of April and May and in the central and northeastern areas of the U.S. This type of weather puts those who struggle with allergies  on alert as tree pollen (which causes the most springtime allergies) remains airborne for longer periods of time and allows the wind to carry pollen and to find its way into sinuses, lungs and eyes. With the high risk allergy season ahead, those with seasonal allergies should be ready for a significant increase in their symptoms. 

SingleCare wants to help people prepare for allergy season with insights on allergy medications, how to help distinguish allergies from COVID-19, and tips to manage your allergies from our health expert and chief pharmacy officer, Ramzi Yacoub, Pharm.D.

Do I have seasonal allergies or is it COVID-19? 

With a higher than average allergy season, many might confuse allergy symptoms with COVID-19 symptoms as they can share a few similarities. Dr. Yacoub weighs in on how to determine if you have allergies or if it could be COVID-19, and if you should take allergy medications before getting your COVID-19 vaccine. 

“Coronavirus symptoms can often look similar to seasonal allergies as they both share some similar symptoms that can range from mild to severe. It’s typical with seasonal allergies for people to experience a dry cough, sore or itchy throat, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip. While COVID-19 can share most of these symptoms, one important distinction is that seasonal allergies typically do not cause fever, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, or fatigue or body aches, which are common symptoms of the coronavirus.” 

If you are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19 or were recently exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, it is important to call your healthcare provider immediately to make an appointment to get tested and follow all CDC guidelines.

Should I take an antihistamine before my COVID-19 vaccine? 

As of Mar. 30, 16% of the total U.S. population have received the COVID-19 vaccine. While states continue to make new groups eligible for appointments, many have wondered if it’s okay to take an antihistamine prior to receiving their vaccine in order to prevent an allergic reaction.

“According to the CDC, people who are receiving the COVID-19 vaccine should not take antihistamines as a preventive measure as they do not safeguard against anaphylaxis,” Dr. Yacoub says. “In doing so, it may be more difficult to diagnose if you do have an allergic reaction from the vaccine. If you have a history of allergic reactions from vaccines, you should talk to your healthcare provider for more information.”

Cetirizine (generic Zyrtec) is the most popular allergy medication on SingleCare

In 2007, the FDA approved Zyrtec as an over-the-counter medication and 13 years later, it remains one of the most popular medications to alleviate allergy symptoms. According to SingleCare data, cetirizine (generic Zyrtec) increased 11% in prescription fills in 2020 when compared to the previous year and accounted for nearly a third of all allergy medications filled that year. 

Other prescription drugs that saw a significant year-over-year increase in fills on SingleCare include fexofenadine (generic Allegra), which saw a 23% increase, and fluticasone propionate (generic Flonase), which saw a 17% increase.

Top 10 U.S cities and states that are most challenging for those with allergies

According to the Allergy & Asthma Network,  the Northeast and Great Lakes regions are expected to see particularly high rates of allergen counts this year. SingleCare analyzed its allergy medication fills in each city and state to see which saw the highest percentage increase in fills per capita in 2020 compared to 2019.

https://www.singlecare.com/blog/allergy-season-2021/

Tips to manage and relieve your allergy symptoms in 2021, according to chief pharmacy officer Ramzi Yacoub, Pharm.D. 

1. Take your allergy medicine before, not after you feel the effects. By taking your allergy medicine before your symptoms begin, you can alleviate any triggers that cause discomfort. Be sure to continue to use your allergy medication and talk with your doctor if you feel you need stronger therapy.

2.  Pollen counts are the highest in the morning and afternoon so it is best to avoid being outdoors on windy days. However, if you must be outside during these times, try using a mask or scarf to cover your nose and mouth, and wear glasses to keep the pollen away from your eyes. Before you head out for the day, look at resources, like pollen.com, to see the allergy map and forecast for your area.

3. Prevent allergens from entering your home by closing your windows and using an air conditioner with high efficiency filters. You can also help eliminate allergens by vacuuming with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These filters trap pollutants to eliminate allergens and bring you relief.

4. If you’ve been outdoors, take off your shoes, shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes when you arrive home. Doing so will help prevent pollen and other allergens from spreading inside your home.

5. Avoid smoking or being around smoke as smoke exacerbates allergy symptoms.

Methodology

Data analyzed include prescription medications filled by SingleCare consumers during 2019 and 2020. Data was reviewed and analyzed by the SingleCare team as of Mar. 25, 2021.