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TikTok’s allergy expert busts myths and shares tips for surviving springtime allergies

It may still be winter (until March 20), but if you’re among the 25 percent of Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies like hay fever, it’s time to start thinking about spring, says Dr. Zachary Rubin, a board-certified allergist and immunologist whose TikTok videos on the subject have earned him a following of more than 2 million. With climate change, the pollen season is “worse every year,” he says. Rising temperatures “allow for plants to start pollinating earlier and ending later.” Rubin’s advice: “Start your medications ahead of the season.” He shares his top tips on surviving the sneezing season.

How do you know if you have allergies, a cold or the flu?

Sneezing, runny nose and cough overlap. But “hay fever” is a misnomer. You don’t get a fever with springtime allergies. If you’re experiencing nasal or ocular itching, that’s probably allergies.

How can you avoid symptoms?

Pollen is the common culprit, and it’s typically released in the early morning, especially on dry, windy days. Look at a pollen counter app to know if you should reduce time outdoors. Keep windows and doors closed. Change clothing you wear outside as soon as possible. At night take a shower and rinse your nose with a neti pot and distilled saline water. That helps clean out your nasal cavities.

What’s the best medicine for relief?

Diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl, has been around [for a while]. However, it has potentially more side effects. It can make you very sleepy. When we compare [its] effectiveness with the newer generation of antihistamines — Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin — it’s pretty much the same.

Do nasal sprays work?

They’re the most effective class. Nasal steroids like fluticasone [in Flonase], mometasone [in Nasonex] and triamcinolone [Nasacort] are more effective if you take them long-term. It takes anywhere between three to seven days for them to work. And make sure you take it properly. If you snort it, you’re likely to taste it. If you’re tasting it, you’re wasting it.

Why do eyes get itchy?

Pollen is an eye irritant, but if your nose is irritated, it causes a reflex where your eyes activate as well, which is why nasal sprays with steroids can be effective for eyes too. You can get artificial tears over the counter and put them in your fridge. Put a few drops in each eye to wash off irritants and soothe it. The colder temperature can help with an anti-inflammatory effect. You can also get allergy eye drops like Zaditor and Pataday that contain antihistamine.

— Eileen Finan