Dr. Brian McDonough on Seasonal Allergies

NEW YORK -- So you think the end of the summer will be the end of allergies because of a reduction in grass and pollen?

Well, think again.

It will not be long until the start of ragweed season which unofficially begins in mid-August.

There are about 36 million Americans who are affected by seasonal allergic Rhinitis (or Hay Fever) and the symptoms can be quite annoying. Ragweed is a resilient plant that can grow practically anywhere. It produces 1 billion grains per average season and the grains can travel up to 400 miles.

There are common sense things you can do like avoid areas where ragweed plants thrive. Keep windows closed, keep your car windows closed when traveling. Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high and take a shower after spending time outside. Pollen can collect on your skin and hair.

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