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Weather Is Nice, Allergies Are Bad

SCRANTON — The weather has been perfect to be outside and McDade Park in Scranton has been busy with people enjoying the arrival of spring. But for some, ...
lacka allergies

SCRANTON -- The weather has been perfect to be outside and McDade Park in Scranton has been busy with people enjoying the arrival of spring.

But for some, there are consequences.

"It's been tough," said Lori Rentrope of Clarks Summit. "A lot of sneezing, a lot of tissue using. It's been rough."

Rentrope and much of her family are among the many suffering from spring allergies.

Trees are rapidly popping out leaves. Grass is quickly growing, and pollen is getting pumped into the air at a very high level.

It's affecting all ages, including kids like Keegan Wolf.

"I notice even bringing the kids to school in the morning, that amount of time being outside, he's a mess," said Tiffany Wolf.

"It's actually usually worse in the fall than the spring. This year, for some reason, it's very harsh in the spring. I don't know why," Rentrope added.

We have had more than a week with nothing but blue skies and sunshine,  and while that is nice, rain would help by knocking down some of the pollen from these budding trees, so for those with allergies, it's been a struggle.

"People have been coming in with symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat, the typical allergy symptoms," said Dave Denicola, Gerrity's Corner Drug Store.

Denicola has been getting a lot of allergy questions. He says most allergy medicines that used to be prescription-only are now available over the counter, including some nasal sprays that recently became easier to get.

Some are better for certain symptoms than others; pharmacists and doctors can help advise what's best.

"Most of the over the counter products will help with the symptoms. They really do a good job," said Denicola.

There are generic brands of many of those allergy medicines that can be just as effective.

As for the pollen forecast, the rain may help a bit on Friday, but the forecast is for very high levels through the weekend.

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