Finally, trees (including some elms) and grasses that pollinate in the fall may trigger allergy symptoms.

Reducing Exposure

You can significantly reduce your exposure to these fall allergens by taking certain precautions. For example, keeping your yard free of fallen leaves can help prevent molds from forming. If you are prone to allergies, cover your face with a pollen mask when you rake or perform other yard work.

Pollen and mold reports can alert you to when these counts are highest. If your symptoms are related to plant pollens, stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high. Pollen counts typically are highest during the early morning.

If molds trigger most of your symptoms, stay indoors in the evenings or following heavy rains.

Other tips for reducing fall allergies include:

• Try to stay indoors on dry, windy days. These conditions often cause pollen and mold spores to become airborne.
  
  
• Keep windows closed at home and in the car.
  
  
• Use an air filter in your home that removes allergens from the air.
  
  
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity in damp areas and change the water reservoir frequently.
  
  
• Do not hang laundry outside to dry, as it can pick up pollen.
  
  
• Wash pets frequently to keep their coats allergen-free.
  
  
• Shower frequently to get pollen and mold spores off your skin and out of your hair.
  
  
• Leave shoes at the door when you return home. This prevents allergens from being disbursed throughout your home.