Dodging Maine’s Allergy Season Like a Pro (or at Least Not Sneezing Your Face Off)

Ah yes, allergy season in Maine — that magical time of year when the trees start mating in the air and your sinuses keep you from the outdoors on some of the most beautiful days. Whether it's spring pollen or fall ragweed, Maine’s allergy season isn’t just annoying — it’s basically Mother Nature flipping us off with every breeze that comes by. And let’s not forget the holy trinity of airborne misery: tree pollen, ragweed, and the dreaded browntail moth hairs — tiny, invisible itches that turn your skin into a horrific rash. 

So how do you survive it without living in a bubble? First off, check the pollen forecast before you step outside just as you would if you were checking the weather before a beach day. AccuWeather has daily pollen counts, and it’s really not that dramatic to plan your life around it. AccuWeather also states that peak pollen times are typically early morning, so maybe delay that jog until after the morning coffee.

Another recommendation is to keep your windows closed unless you’re actively trying to make your house a pollen party. I’ve also heard to make sure that you run your AC with a clean filter. If allergies are ruining your sense of being, it’s also highly recommended to invest in an air purifier.

Oh, and you might want to ditch the “I’ll just rinse off later” mindset. Shower before bed. You might not see it but you could be sleeping in a pile of pollen you collected on your walk.

And if all else fails? Meds. Over-the-counter antihistamines are your friends. Most modern allergy meds like Claritan don’t usually make you drowsy, so you can breathe and still function like a normal human.