Florida has 7 of the cities on this year’s list of the nation’s worst 20 cities for allergy sufferers. And yes, Tampa is one of them. (Don’t celebrate Lakeland and Sarasota… you made the list too.)

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has these tips to help get you through allergy season, which is almost year round in Florida. There’s no cure for allergies, but there are things you can do limit the annoying symptoms.

• Your dryer

  

  (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

  Even though the weather for it is just arriving, hanging laundry outside on a line makes your clothing a pollen magnet. Dry your laundry in a dryer or on an indoor rack instead.

• Bedding

  Wash your bedding in hot soapy water at least once a week.   And it’s a good idea to do the same for blinds and curtains regularly.

• Windows

  Watch local news sites for the pollen forecast.  Plan your outdoor activities accordingly and keep those windows shut on peak pollen times.

• Masks

  

  (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

  Masks became a part of our lives these past few years to help prevent the spread of COVID… but the side benefit for allergy sufferers is obvious.  Block that pollen from invading your nose and mouth.

• Laundry

  Don’t wait for a full load to do your laundry if you’ve spent a lot of time outside.  Washing clothes more often will make your indoor life more pleasant.

• Filters

  No no the ones on Instagram that make you look like you’re back in high school.  Use air filters that say are certified “asthma and allergy friendly” or that have HEPA filtration.

• Hair

  Wear a hat or some kind of covering. It’ll help prevent pollen from collecting on your head.

• Shoes

  

  Joe Raedle/Getty Images

  Take them off and leave them at the door or outside if possible.  Pollen lands on the ground and gets stuck to the bottom of your shoes.  And pollen is only one thing that gets stuck to the bottom of your shoes.

• Pets

  If your pets spend a lot of time outside, they’re bringing a lot of the pollen inside after their day of play.   Wipe them down when they get inside and bathe them weekly.

• Sunglasses

  Corey Hart wore his sunglasses at night.  Bet he didn’t have allergy problems.  It’s not just your mouth and nose that can soak in the pollen.  Your eyes are an accomplice too.

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