The 411 on Seasonal Allergies

What you need to know about allergies.

Don’t Rub Your Eyes  - This can be especially tricky during allergy season, but rubbing your eyes can cause wrinkles and break the teeny capillaries just under the skin, which results in dark circles. Hands off: Lack of sleep can lead to dryness, and if your eyes are itchy, OTC antihistamine eye drops might help.  (Photo: Geri Lavrov / Getty Images)

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The 411 on Seasonal Allergies - The spring and summer months can be extremely brutal for the 40 million of us who suffer from seasonal allergies. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. Read more about seasonal allergies and ways to reduce their symptoms. —Kellee Terrell (Photo: Geri Lavrov / Getty Images)

9/11 Bike Trail - The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance received $50,000 in 2013 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and National Resources to help fund a 1,110 mile bike trail connecting three 9/11 memorials: the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.(Photo: Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

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What Are Seasonal Allergies? - Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever, are allergic reactions to mold and pollen that floats in the air. As you breathe them in, your immune system thinks they are attacking your body and releases antibodies. These antibodies cause your cells to release chemicals.  (Photo: Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

It's That Time Again - This season, the flu has not been a game. It has killed 26 children and is widespread to 46 states thus far, says the CDC. Translation: We are in the midst of a dangerous epidemic. Read what you need to know about the flu and how to protect yourself and your family. – Britt Middleton   (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

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Common Symptoms - Seasonal allergies can trigger a range of symptoms. The most common include sneezing, runny nose, watering eyes, nasal congestion, coughing and wheezing. Also, being tired and irritable, sinus pain, skin rashes, itchy eyes and throat are also associates with allergies. In some people the symptoms are mild and in others they are extremely severe, making people miss work or school.  (Photo: Sean Justice/Getty Images)

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African-Americans and Allergies - Race does matter, especially when it comes to higher asthma rates and allergies. Past studies have found that Black children with asthma are three times more likely to suffer from seasonal allergies than their white counterparts. Also, poverty plays a role in our seasonal and all-year-round allergies: Living in areas with lower air quality, low quality housing with bugs like cockroaches, and having less access to treatment.   (Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)

Photo By David McNew/Getty Images

Young man coughing, indoors

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Risk Factors - Certain factors that can put you more at risk for seasonal allergies include being male, having a family history of allergies, having certain food allergies, asthma and being exposed to second-hand smoke, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.  (Photo: Michael Krasowitz/Getty Images)

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Reducing Triggers - Just because there’s no real cure for seasonal allergies, there are things you can do to reduce you triggers. Web MD suggests staying indoors when it’s really dry or windy out and watching the news to learn when pollen counts are high so you can take meds before heading out. Also keep your windows closed, invest in a humidifier for your home, and shower when you come home to rinse the pollen off your body. (Photo: Steve Mason/Getty Images)

Common Treatment - For those of us with minor symptoms, grinning and bearing it may work. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Benadryl and some decongestants do the trick for those with mild symptoms. For those with more serious symptoms, doctors may prescribe steroids, inhalers, acupuncture and allergy shots. Learn more about a range of allergy treatments here.  (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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Common Treatment - For those of us with minor symptoms, grinning and bearing it may work. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Benadryl and some decongestants do the trick for those with mild symptoms. For those with more serious symptoms, doctors may prescribe steroids, inhalers, acupuncture and allergy shots. Learn more about a range of allergy treatments here.  (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Neti Pot Power! - While meds are a good way to help reduce allergy symptoms, neti pots may offer some relief, too. By pouring a saline solution through your nostrils, it flushes your nasal cavities of allergens. While some swear by this, the science is mixed on whether or not it actually works. Learn more about neti pots and their effectiveness here.   (Photo: Jessica Boone/Getty Images)

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Neti Pot Power! - While meds are a good way to help reduce allergy symptoms, neti pots may offer some relief, too. By pouring a saline solution through your nostrils, it flushes your nasal cavities of allergens. While some swear by this, the science is mixed on whether or not it actually works. Learn more about neti pots and their effectiveness here.   (Photo: Jessica Boone/Getty Images)