Just when you thought you'd waved goodbye to flu and RSV season, allergy season bursts onto the scene like an uninvited party crasher. We can always count on the arrival of spring (officially March 19, if you ask the calendar) to bring a full-blown pollen fiesta. Our very own doom-and-gloom forecast from Tania Elliott, MD, New York City-based allergist, warns of a "rough allergy season." Already making noses run like marathons and eyes stream like Netflix, this party is getting started much earlier than usual.

Look at the audacity of springtime plant activity jumping the gun by up to three weeks in places like Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and North Carolina. Did they even receive an invite? The cheek of it! Albuquerque, New Mexico and St. Louis, Missouri are witnessing pollen on the loose a week and two weeks earlier than normal, respectively, with parts of Washington, D.C clocking in a staggering three-week lead.

The Sacramento Valley and coastal areas of Northern California, Oregon, and Washington are reveling in the earliest inauguration of spring ever recorded, clearly missing the memo about punctuality. A study in 2021 showed North America's allergy seasons being notably long-winded, starting 20 days earlier, hanging around for an extra 10 days, and pumping out about 21 percent more pollen compared to 1990. Yup, climate change deserves a special shout-out for that charming contribution.

But the pollen frenzy doesn't stop at trees. Oh no, grass and weeds want a piece of the action, too. Florida, notwithstanding a chillier start to the year, is observing a botanical bonanza that is making the allergy struggle real, says Stephen Kimura, MD, Pensacola, Florida-based allergist.

Pollen from trees such as oak, elm, and maple could trigger havoc as they produce smaller spores that are more likely to get a VIP pass deep into your lungs. On the joyous note, tree pollen season also seems to have a knack for overstaying its welcome, pumping out pollen for four to six weeks instead of the usual two.

Here comes the advice part. If you're sneezing more than a retiree playing a high-stakes round of Pepper, it's time to spring into action. First, get tested to confirm that you're dealing with allergies and not something sneakier, like a sinus infection.

To help manage your regular sneezefest, consider these nifty hacks:

• Keep windows closed and enjoy the chill vibes of the air conditioner (and for the love of clean air, clean your vents).
• Leave shoes at the door, because no one asked pollen to join your indoor soirée.
• Make evening showers a habit to avoid bringing the pollen party to bed.
• Get friendly with allergy meds, like daily antihistamines or nasal spray.
• If things get real, consider allergy shots or drops.

Remember, folks, a proactive approach to allergies is like bringing earplugs to a Nickelback concert. It might not stop the assault, but it can certainly dampen the impact.