Now that the weather has warmed back up to seasonal, pollen and mould are just about everywhere.

Pharmacist Deviyani Patel at Shoppers Drug Mart in the Regina area said there are some things people can do, in addition to their usual seasonal allergy medication.

“When you’re coming home from outside after spending a long day outdoors, you should shower because we carry pollen on ourselves,” said Patel. “The other thing is if you are a person who has a history of seasonal allergies, you should start using a nasal rinse to keep your nasal passages clean.”

Patel also suggests keeping windows closed as much as possible and washing bedding more frequently.

She said people should consult their pharmacist to make sure the medications they’re taking are right for their symptoms.

Seasonal allergies are once again working their magic and sharing the season with COVID. Patel said while some symptoms are similar, there are a few differences between typical seasonal allergies and COVID.

“Allergies don’t rapidly appear, it would be a slow progression. So if you were going to have a cold, you’d be run down right away but with allergies it’s a slow progression,” she said.

She also said that with allergies, it comes with itchy eyes and throat, which is something that typically doesn’t happen with viral infections like COVID.

About 40 to 50 per cent of adults will experience allergy issues at some point in their lives. Patel said with weather changing, allergy flare-ups are common.

“And what ends up happening is that there are so many choices over the counter for allergies remedies, is that our patients end up taking medications over the counter and it may or may not be the best for their symptoms.”

Patel said that pharmacists in Saskatchewan can prescribe medications for seasonal allergies.