Frequent sniffles, sneezes, post-nasal drip, nasal congestion, itchy palate and throat or runny nose indicate that the pollen season is here.

Here are tips on how to prevent symptoms of seasonal allergies.

1. Avoid allergens.

• Keep home and car windows closed to prevent pollen from drifting in.
• If you need to be outdoors, avoid the few hours after sunrise and during the hours after sunset. Best time to be outdoors is during rainy, cloudy and windless days when pollen levels are lowest.
• If gardening, avoid touching your face especially the eyes.
• Shower after spending time outdoors as pollen tends to collect in your hair and skin.
• Use air conditioning to filter pollen from the air in your home.

2. Take your medicines as prescribed.

Frequent sniffles, sneezes, post-nasal drip, nasal congestion, itchy palate and throat or runny nose indicate that the pollen season is here.

3. Keep a diary.

Record your activities, what you eat, when symptoms occur and what seems to help. This may guide you and your doctor in managing specific allergy triggers.