SAN ANTONIO — If you woke up with allergies this Tuesday, it may be partly due to the high levels of cedar pollen recorded in central Texas.
The cedar season runs from December to February, peaking in mid-January. According to a map released by the Texas A&M Forest Service, the largest concentration of cedar is located in the center of the state along the boundary of Interstate 35.
According to reports, cedar pollen counts are high this Tuesday and will continue to be so on Wednesday, so sensitive people should exercise caution.
What is ‘cedar fever’ and what are its symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cedar fever affects people differently and symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, cough, aching headache and nasal congestion, which can also be described as flu. can be confused.
If you’re allergic to pollen or have asthma, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are the CDC’s recommendations:
- Check pollen forecasts and focus on spending less time outside when pollen counts are high.
- Take allergy or asthma medicines as prescribed by your health care provider.
- Do not touch your eyes when you are outside.
- Shower after being outside to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
- Change your clothes after being outside.
- Keep windows closed during pollen season.
- Use high-efficiency filters in your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
