Hay fever season is right around the corner, kicking off about mid-August when ragweed begins to bloom. Be prepared to head off symptoms and suffering by knowing the difference between fact and fiction with tips courtesy of allergist Dr. Steven McEldowney and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

“So many people with hay fever suffer through late summer and fall, based on false assumptions about their allergies,” said Dr. McEldowney of Allergy and Asthma Care of Blakeney. “Knowing the truth about ragweed allergies and treatment can mean the difference between a dismal and a comfortable hay fever season.”

Myth:

I’m miserable all hay fever season, but there’s nothing I can do except suffer through it.

Fact:

Not true.  There are many treatments available to ease your symptoms, ranging from over-the-counter and prescription nasal sprays and medications to allergy shots, called immunotherapy.

Myth:

I should start taking my hay fever medication at the first sneeze and stop at the first frost.

Fact:

Ragweed usually blooms around mid-August (a little later in the south), but it’s best to head off the itching, sneezing, drippy nose and wheezing by starting medication before symptoms even begin. And the misery can linger at the end of the season, so wait until a few weeks after the first frost to stop taking medication.

Myth:

My hay fever and pet allergies have nothing to do with each other.

Fact:

If you are allergic to ragweed and your dog or cat, you may be even more miserable during hay fever season. People with ragweed allergies who also are allergic to cats or dogs develop symptoms faster and more severely, according to a study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Best bet? Treat pet allergies year-round to help make hay fever more manageable.

Myth:

Hay fever makes me sneeze and sniffle, but my tingly, itchy mouth must be caused by something else.

Fact:

Actually, many people who are allergic to ragweed have oral allergy syndrome, also called pollen-food allergy syndrome. It means your body is having an allergic reaction to the proteins that are similar in ragweed pollen and certain fruits, vegetables and nuts – such as banana, cucumber, melons, zucchini and sunflower seeds. It’s quite common and it is rarely serious. Usually it only causes an itchy tingly mouth, throat or lips. But sometimes it can cause a stomach ache and very rarely a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

Myth:

I’ve never had a problem with hay fever so I probably never will.

Fact:

Unfortunately, that’s not true. Anyone can develop an allergy – including ragweed – later in life. Scientists think it may be you’ve always had the allergy, but it might have taken exposure to another allergen to trigger your symptoms. The good news is, help is available.