How high is the pollen count in Columbus? What to know, tips for spring allergies

Hello spring and hello yellow. Yellow pollen, that is. If you’ve been seeing yellow on your car or house, get ready for more because pollen season is here. But just how high is the pollen count now?

Let’s take a look:

How high is the pollen count in Columbus?

Here’s a five-day pollen count outlook from Pollen.com:

• Mar. 11: 11.3 (high)
• Mar. 12: 4.9 (low-medium)
• Mar. 13: 5.7 (medium)
• Mar. 14: 9.5 (medium-high)
• Mar. 15: 9.6 (medium-high)

For reference, a low pollen count would be around 0-2 to 4 and a low to medium pollen count is around 2.5 to 4.8.

The highest point on the scale is set at 12.

How to prevent and treat spring allergies

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), you may have a pollen allergy if you experience these symptoms during this time of year:

• Runny nose (also known as rhinorrhea – this is typically a clear, thin nasal discharge)
• Stuffy nose (due to blockage or nasal congestion – one of the most common and troublesome symptoms)
• Sneezing
• Itchy nose, eyes, ears and mouth
• Red and watery eyes
• Swelling around the eyes

To prevent or treat these allergies:

• Start taking allergy medicines before your symptoms appear or before pollen season begins. This way, the medicine is already in your system and working before you come in contact with these allergens.
• Limit outdoor time when the pollen count is high.
• Keep windows closed during peak pollen season.
• Wear sunglasses and cover your hair when going outside. This will help keep pollen out of your eyes and off your hair.
• Shower daily before going to bed. This will remove pollen from your body and keep it off your bedding.
• Wash bedding in hot, soapy water once a week. Likewise, change or wash your clothes after time outside and don’t use an outside clothes line (use an indoor dryer).
• Limit close contact with pets that spend a lot of time outdoors. Wipe furry animals off when they come inside or bathe them weekly.
• Watch pollen counts and forecasts.

How are you dealing with pollen and spring allergies? Send us your tips. Comment below or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

Chelsea Madden

The Telegraph

Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.