Zyrtec (or Claritin) is for daily use, but it's not needed to take daily, as it is not a built up immunity type medicine. Any generic histamine blocker should work. There are some differences in types of histamine blockers, so some work for some people, while not for the rest of people who take them. Buy a small package of one and give it a try, if it works, great. If not, try a variation. I'd go to the pharmacy and talk to the pharmacist for a direction to try. Do that first, before spending money on an allergist. Go to the allergist only if nothing else works.

This season in the Lowcountry is one of the worst pollen seasons I've seen. Oddly, though, my allergies haven't kicked in yet.

If all else fails, the local honey suggestion is actually not a bad idea. Everyone I know who does that swears it works.

Good luck.

 

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Not a single medicine would cure my allergies. OTC, prescription...nothing. Last year, about a month BEFORE pollen (this is key), I tried the honey thing. It HAS to be local honey, and its very important you get it in your system before the pollen starts. It is by far the best medicine for allergies associated with pollen, and it's all I will ever do now. Also, much cheaper I think. Just a spoonfull every morning is what I do.

 

Yep, we've gone from winter to pollen season almost instantly, yellow mess everywhere now!

 

+1 on local honey! Absolutely works!

 

I agree with BlkVlvtRydr,
The honey route always works for me. I put it in my morning coffee and I'm good to go. If you can get some honey butter from the local area its even better. The stuff is great on English muffins or toast. Ask a local bee keeper about the honey butter.
PH

 

Its the yellowish/green pine pollen you are seeing now. A large, heavy pollen. It bothers you now because there is so damn much of it in the air, but that will be over in a couple more weeks. Then you have all of the hardwood and other woody and non-woody plants to deal with. At least that kind of pollen wont pile up on vehicles and our bikes.

 

Thanks guys for the replies. I will try the raw honey and then the meds if all else fails.

 

No pollen issues here this morning.It's only 15F.

 

You know, this actually works! I tried it when I moved to Atlanta. Generally good to go unless the pine pollen gets over 1000

J