Allergy season is delayed by winter season, but it’s still coming

SALT LAKE CITY — Now that the winter season appears to be in the rearview mirror, allergy season, while delayed, is quickly approaching.

However, Dr. Jonathon Olson, of Granger Medical Center, tells Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News the pollen season is starting a bit late this season.

“A lot of people will begin to experience itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, drainage, throat clearing, sneezing,” he said. “And typically, we should be in pollen season right now. Our season is delayed because of the winter we’ve had and because of the snowpack.”

He says trees begin pollinating during March, April and a little into May. And grass usually begins pollinating during May, June and July. Olson also says that weed season runs from August through October. 

“So, our pollination season is typically March through October,” Olson said.

Winter could factor into allergy season

Olson says the unusually wet winter that the state has experienced could have an impact on how the pollen season plays out.

“We’ve looked at this as far as what happens with pollen counts and how that relates to the pollen count,” he said. “We’ve even looked at the climate change, the water cycle, and the health of the soil. It’s clear that it’s going to be good for the plants. So, there’s going to be an increase in pollination.”

With snow still on the ground into April, Olson says there’s going to be a shorter season.

“But yes, there’s a good chance that because we have healthy soil and there’s enough water in that water cycle that we are going to see, possibly an increase in those pollen counts,” he said.

In most cases, the doctor says, over-the-counter will help with runny noses and itchy throats that come with seasonal allergies.

 

Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News can be heard on weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m.

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