Public Health: Allergy season is upon us

  • Published
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The annual allergy season is in full swing, according to Public Health officials with the 319th Medical Group.

An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system and an allergic reaction can occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment.

Many allergens such as molds and pollens are airborne; they can come into contact with a person's eyes, nose, and lungs.

Molds can also cause severe immune reactions as a result of colonizing (living in, but not causing an actual infection) the lungs and sinuses. This is not very common as most molds cause an allergic reaction.

If you feel like you may be feeling the symptoms of allergies, here are a few helpful hints:
  • Simply avoid things you may be allergic to.
  • Using allergy medication for tough-to-avoid allergies.
  • Allergy shots (immunotherapy). This is typically reserved for more severe allergies.
For further guidance visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

If you still have concerns and would like to speak to someone locally, call Public Health at 747-5511.

(Courtesy of the 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office)