Fall Allergies and Harvest Season: How to Breathe Easier This Autumn

As the leaves turn and the air cools, fall brings plenty to look forward to—football games, pumpkin patches, and harvest celebrations. But for many in our community, it also means the return of fall allergy season. The Waverly Rescue Squad wants to help you stay healthy and comfortable this autumn by understanding what triggers fall allergies and how to prevent flare-ups.

Common Fall Allergy Triggers

While spring pollen gets most of the attention, fall has its own set of allergy culprits:

• Ragweed pollen: One of the biggest offenders this time of year, ragweed blooms in late summer and can linger into October. Even if you don’t see ragweed nearby, its pollen can travel for miles on the wind.

• Mold spores: As leaves fall and start to decompose, damp piles of leaves and soil become a breeding ground for mold.

• Dust and crop debris: During harvest season, farmers and rural residents are often exposed to dust, pollen, and other irritants kicked up from fields.

Tips to Prevent Allergy Flare-Ups

1. Keep windows closed: It’s tempting to let in the crisp fall air, but open windows allow pollen and dust indoors. Use air conditioning with a clean filter instead.

2. Shower and change after outdoor activities: After raking leaves, walking, or spending time outside, wash off pollen and change clothes to avoid spreading allergens indoors.

3. Check pollen counts: Pay attention to local pollen forecasts, and try to limit outdoor time on high-count days—especially in the early morning when pollen levels peak.

4. Manage leaf piles carefully: If you’re handling leaves, wear gloves and a mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.

5. Use air purifiers: A HEPA air filter can help remove pollen, dust, and mold from indoor air.

6. Talk to your doctor: Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications can help reduce symptoms, especially when started early in the season.

When Allergies Become More Serious

Sometimes allergy symptoms—such as coughing, congestion, or shortness of breath—can resemble respiratory infections or asthma. If you experience severe wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling, seek medical attention right away. The Waverly Rescue Squad is always ready to respond if your symptoms become an emergency.

Enjoy the Season Safely

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in our area. With a few preventive steps, you can enjoy harvest festivals, outdoor activities, and time with family without being sidelined by allergies.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and breathe easy this fall — from all of us at Waverly Rescue Squad.