Pollen count spiking in Myrtle Beach. Here’s how bad it is and how you can survive allergy season

If you’re suffering from clogged sinuses you’re not alone. The Grand Strand has faced wildfires and thunderstorms in recent weeks, and now a new scourge is upon the Myrtle Beach area: pollen.

The fine dust is crucial for plant reproduction, but coats everything it comes in contact with and can be a pain for people with allergies. Here’s what you need to know about allergy season and how to survive with your sanity.

How bad is the pollen?

According to Pollen.com, the pollen count in Myrtle Beach was at 10.4 out of 12 Friday. Pollen levels in the area have been high since Wednesday and are expected to peak at 11.5 on Sunday, before dropping to the medium-high range on Monday with a 9.2 pollen count.

While tree and grass pollen are both common in the Palmetto State in the spring, according to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) tree pollen is to blame for most allergies, especially birches, oaks, pines and willows.

If you’ve noticed the dreaded yellow film of pollen coating your stuff, your neighborhood might be home to juniper, birch and oak trees, which are the top allergens in the area currently.

When will pollen let up?

In South Carolina, high tree pollen counts typically persist through early to mid-May, according to the MUSC. Folks can enjoy the summer season with clear sinuses before hayfever, also called ragweed, emerges in August.

How can you ease allergy symptoms?

Relief may still be months away, but there are ways you can manage your allergies to minimize symptoms. The MUSC recommends:

• Keeping your windows closed

• Using an air purifier

• Regularly changing your air conditioning and heating filters

• Wearing a mask when doing yardwork

• Showering after being outside

If your symptoms are ongoing, debilitating and don’t improve with over-the-counter medicine, seeking professional advice from your doctor might be beneficial.