Allergy season goes on attack

By Colleen Kent

Are you sneezing a lot? Have a headache? Maybe a cough? Do you think you’re coming down with something? Think again.

You may be suffering from allergies.

Allergy season has struck the Central Valley early and hard this year.

Spring is normally the time when the Student Health Center sees the greatest number of allergy cases, although autumn can be bad, too. This year, however, the drippy noses and itchy, watery eyes began appearing earlier, according to Diane Simpson with the Health Center.

Simpson, a registered nurse and nurse practitioner, points to the warm weather and early blossoming of the trees as a culprit.

“ A lot of people don’t have allergies initially, but become sensitized by living here [in the Central Valley],” she said. “It’s a perfect place for [allergies].”

When the Central Valley’s agriculture blossoms and combines with its notorious air quality, life here can be almost impossible for the allergy sufferer.

According to Simpson, a lot of allergy symptoms resemble a viral illness, which is what can confuse people new to allergy sensitivities. If they’ve never had allergy problems before, a sufferer may assume that they’re getting sick.

Symptoms can include a runny nose, cough, watery eyes, skin rashes, headache, congestion and fatigue. The most common is sneezing.

The Student Health Center recommends over-the-counter medication to help alleviate symptoms. “These are more affordable for students,” Simpson said.

She recommends looking for a medication with a non-drowsy formula to help keep students from falling asleep in classes.