Ah-choo! Allergy season hits the Valley

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Do you have coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, an itchy throat, or a runny nose?

Allergy season is short but intense here in the Valley. Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds are the main cause of symptoms that may have you feeling a little under the weather.

"At this time, the grasses are pollinating like crazy, so are the trees, and you know how windy it's been over the last few days," said Duane Wong, of Arizona Allergy Associates. "It's just kid of aggravated things."

Those pollen particles can travel up to 400 miles per day, which means a high risk of pollen from a neighbor's fully-bloomed tree is likely to make its way to you.

"The pollen counts are highest after 5 p.m.," Wong said. "They start to go up, they stay high all night, and they start to go down around 10 in the morning."

To avoid allergy flare ups, it's best to close the windows at night, try exercising in the morning to early afternoon, or use an air purifier in your home.

Over-the-counter allergy medications can also knock out spring allergies for the entire family, even young children.

"You know, showering immediately after you cut the grass doesn't fully help, so using Claritan, Zyrtec or some kind of antihistamine can be very helpful," Wong said.

If you're feeling a little too under the weather, specialists say it's best to opt out and stay in after 5 p.m.