Allergies are a common subject, especially in the spring. We all either have allergies ourselves or know someone who does. Whether it be family members or friends, we all have witnessed the effects of allergies. Everyone has different ways to cope with their allergies.

Justice Jackson (‘18) has allergies and has a variety of methods to relieve his symptoms. Not only does he have some food allergies consisting of mainly fruit, he is also allergic to things found in nature such as grass, pollen and so on. “I’ve had allergies all my life,” says Jackson.

Another victim of allergies is Cameron Janousek (’21). He is allergic to pollen and weeds and has been for at least five years. “I didn’t have allergies when I was younger,” Janousek says.

To help cope with their symptoms, Jackson takes Benadryl and Janousek uses a nasal spray allergy relief. Janousek recommends getting things done to help your allergies with the help of your doctor.  

To break it down, here are some basic steps to follow to survive your basic allergies. 

Step one for survival: cover your mouth and use tissues! Not just for your sake but for the sake of everyone else around you. It has been proven that a sneeze can travel up to 200 feet. Covering up can eliminate some of that distance by blocking it off.

Step two: wash your hands. Covering up is good but will not stop the germs from multiplying. It’s important to keep as many germs away from your body as possible and soap and water do a great job of killing pesky germs. Washing your hands will keep you, and others healthier and slow the spread of sickness.

Step three: get plenty of sleep. While you sleep, your body attempts to heal itself and you will feel better in the morning.

Step four: see your doctor. If you have severe and/or nonstop symptoms, visit the doctor’s office ASAP. Your doctor will help determine what is wrong and how to treat your symptoms. They may also prescribe medicine or other solutions. Epinephrine injection pens, otherwise known as EpiPens, are often prescribed for serious, fatal allergies.

Step five: take medicine. Make sure the medicine is right for you and that you take the correct amount. More is not always better. If you have questions or concerns about medication, you should see your doctor before acting.

Allergies may be rough, but, with a few tricks, they can be overcome.