Use the fall allergy release as:

  • Material you can distribute to local media (sample cover email below)
  • Content to upload to your website and/or newsletter
  • Informational flyer for patients/public

Summer is Actually the Perfect Time to Think About Fall Allergies

Dear[INSERT REPORTER’S NAME]:

It’s the end of July and you’re finally settled in to summer. The hammock is hung, you’ve worn a hole in the pool pass, and your barbecue technique is perfect. Cue sound of record scratching. Now you need to think about fall allergies? Yes – and although summer is actually the perfect time to think about fall allergies, many sufferers haven’t gotten the memo.

Below my signature are some tips for those who want some relief from the allergens they encounter during the fall allergy season. Ragweed can cause many symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and fatigue. So first and foremost, those who suffer from ragweed allergy should start preparing well before fall arrives.

As a local allergist who specializes in treating allergy and asthma, I would be happy to speak with you about how adults and children with allergies and asthma can avoid sneezing and wheezing this fall.

Thank you for your time,

[INSERT NAME]

[INSERT PRACTICE]

Summer is Actually the Perfect Time to Think About Fall Allergies

Getting ahead of symptoms now means less suffering later

[INSERT YOUR CITY, STATE] [INSERT DATE]– You hear the words, “fall allergies” and “ragweed season” and you want to run as fast as possible in the other direction. You’d rather the thoughts of itchy eyes, sneezing and sniffling didn’t intrude on summer picnics and lounging by the pool.

“Thinking ahead to when fall allergy symptoms start can save you a lot of suffering down the road,” says allergist[[INSERT NAME, INSERT PRACTICE or NAME OF TOWN]. “Many people who suffer from fall allergies aren’t aware they need to start taking their medications about two weeks before their symptoms normally start. And since ragweed can begin to bloom in mid-August in some regions of the country, that means starting medications in early August.”

Ragweed, the biggest allergy trigger in the fall, usually starts releasing its pollen with cooler nights and warm days in August. It can last into September and October when the first frost hits, which is why it is a major contributor to fall allergies. If you suffer from spring allergies, there’s a good chance you also suffer from fall allergies.

“A single ragweed plant can release one million pollen grains in one day,” says Dr. Martin. “Because wind can carry ragweed up to 100 miles from its source, windy days can heighten the intensity of allergy symptoms.” Dr. Martin points out that mold also contributes to fall allergy symptoms. “Mold spores are everywhere in the fall, and can outnumber ragweed grains in the air – even when pollen season is at its worst,” he says.

But allergy symptoms don’t have to ruin your fall fun. Here are some tips to keep in mind as summer winds down and fall makes its appearance:

  • Take medications before symptoms start and don’t stop them immediately after ragweed is no longer in the air. Wait about two weeks after pollen counts go down to stop.
  • Keep car and home windows closed so pollen doesn’t get indoors.
  • Leave your shoes at the door, and take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after you’ve been working or playing outdoors.
  • Monitor pollen and mold counts. Weather reports often include this information.
  • Wear a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask when mowing the lawn or doing other chores outdoors, and take appropriate medication beforehand.
  • See an allergist to find relief.

Allergists are trained to identify your allergies and provide a personal treatment plan. They can also provide immunotherapy – allergy shots – which targets your exact triggers and can greatly reduce the severity of your symptoms. Allergy shots can also prevent the development of asthma in some children with seasonal allergies.

If you think you might be one of the more than 50 million Americans that suffer from allergies and asthma Find an Allergist, track your symptoms at MyNasalAllergyJournal.org and watch this video to learn more about Spring Sneezing Season.

Visit our website at [INSERT YOUR WEBSITE ADDRESS OR HYPERLINK].

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