Allergies

What to do when you're going achoo!

The Lowcountry and particularly Charleston are known for high pollen counts. Unlike some places, Charleston sees pollen year-round. Heavier and more noticeable pollen is produced around March or April and lasts until June. Rain plus warm weather feeds the increase of pollination. This combined with our beautifully landscaped campus full of trees, bushes, flowers and other pollen-producing plants can create problems for those with existing allergies and people who may have never suffered from allergies before.

If you experience allergies, as with all health concerns, please seek the assistance of our Student Health Services or your physician. Below are also some suggestions to help cope during the high pollen seasons in this area.

1. If you’ve been prescribed medication for allergies, follow the instructions of your doctor or medical personnel.
2. Track the pollen count at pollen.com and, on the days when the count is high, try to stay indoors as much as possible.
3. Keep windows and exterior doors closed to reduce the number of allergens entering your residence.
4. Vacuum/sweep and dust regularly to reduce the number of allergens that may have hitchhiked into your space. If you find you are extremely sensitive, you may want to invest in a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner or HEPA filter air purifier to capture as many allergens as possible.
5. Avoid tossing your book bag or the clothes worn outside on your bed to prevent spreading allergens to your sleeping area.
6. Consider showering and washing your hair before going to bed to avoid introducing allergens to your bed linens and wash your linens regularly.