The Grand Stand and Pee Dee are one day into Spring as of Monday, and for many, the allergy season has sprung. The pollen count for Myrtle Beach between Monday and Thursday is listed as the highest level each day, ranging from 10.2 to 11.4.
"It's like you cant leave anything outside. You can't leave you windows open. It'll get on your blinds," Myrtle Beach resident Frank Scmidt said.
Many people Newchannel 15 spoke with noticed the pollen dropping in massive amounts over the weekend, coating streets and parking lots, playgrounds and roads, and of course cars.
"You can't open the windows because it gets all over the furniture, and it gets all over your cars!" Janet Brown of Myrtle Beach said. "Thats what really aggravates me most!"
Patti Stalvey suffers from allergies and even sees a doctor regularly for it. She says she loves the outside though, and braved the possibility of an allergy attack to read a book outside near the Market Common.
"I stayed in a lot this weekend because the cloud of pollen was so bad, but I like to be outside," she said. "I can't let it stop me."
Allergist Mark Shecker says he has really seen business get busier over the past few weeks. South Carolina, he says, typically has a higher pollen count and a longer season. In our area, tree pollen is the main culprit this time of year. The yellow fuzzy stuff that resembles the outside of a tennis ball, what really began falling this weekend, is pine pollen.
Dr. Shecker says that's not what is irritating your eyes though.
"The pollen that causes a lot of the problems is invisible, stuff you can't see. It's been gradually increasing, and now it's getting to very high levels," he says.
From 2000 to 2005, the cost of treating allergies was a $11.2 billion dollars. More than half of that was spent on prescription medications.
Dr. Shecker says if allergy sufferers have been taking over-the-counter medicines to treat problems for more than two weeks, they may want to consider seeing a doctor.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology otherwise known as (AAAAI) has a link where allergy sufferers can find a local specialist in their area.
The pollen means good business for car washing businesses too. Mason's Auto and Tire Store Manager Don Scalzott says you don't need to keep washing your car, though. He says there is an easier way to keep you car pollen free.
"Wax it. Put a good coat of wax on it. That way when the pollen does fall on it, take a garden hose and hose it off."
Scalzott doesn't recommend wiping off pollen with a dry cloth.
"That will scratch your car," he says.
More tips to avoid full exposure to the tree pollen and other allergens:
- Keep windows to cars and homes closed
- Don't hang your clothes/linens to dry outside
- Wash your hair before going to bed to avoid inhaling pollen while you sleep
- Wax, don't wash your car.
- Check your car's cabin air filter each time you get your oil changed.
- Avoid being outside during peak pollen release hours; mainly early morning and at dusk.
- If you must go outside, shower or changed your clothes once you come inside.
- Regularly groom your pet after being outside
