Every autumn, red eyes, sneezes, and runny noses begin appearing on campus. No, it's not a cold or an aversion to studying…it's allergies.

In one survey, it was found that more than half of all Americans test positive for at least one allergen.

Though allergies may be triggered by many things, from dust to dander to daffodils, seasonal allergies are caused by allergens only present in the environment for a portion of the year. Pollen is generally the source of seasonal allergies.

The severity of seasonal allergies varies according to the climate. Warmer climates are generally correlated with more allergens. In the United States, Greensboro, NC was ranked as having the worst allergies.

Fall allergy causes

Mold, elm trees, late-blooming flowers, and pollen from weeds such as ragweed and thistle are the main contributors to fall allergies.

Am I allergic?

Visiting an allergist is the easiest way to assess your allergy's severity and determine to what exactly you are allergic. The allergist will prick the skin or test extracted blood in order to determine allergy severity. In those with large allergy problems, allergy shots might be suggested.

Fall allergy symptoms –congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat, and cough – are often confused with having a cold or infection such as a sinus infection. However, allergies are generally not accompanied by muscle aches and fevers like most infections. Additionally, symptoms associated with allergies can last for months, while a cold, for instance, only lasts one or two weeks.

Protect yourself!

Antihistamines such as Allergra, Claritin, Clarinex, and Zytec and nasal steroids like Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort AQ, and Rhinocort Aqua help to treat seasonal allergies.

Avoiding allergens is the easiest way to minimize the effects of seasonal allergies. Significantly limiting outside exposure on days with a very high pollen count is especially important.

Review the following list to see what you can do to reduce your seasonal allergies.

At home and in the car:

-Drive at low-traffic times

-Keep windows closed

-Machine wash and dry clothes and bedclothes frequently

-Make sure everything is dry to avoid mold growth

-Place an air purifier in commonly-used rooms

-Reduce the amount of carpeted area

-Store shoes outside or away from living areas

-Try not to go outside or travel between 5 and 10 a.m.

-Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter

In the yard and garden:

-Avoid mowing the lawn

-Garden with allergy-free plants

-Keep your skin covered while outside

-Shower immediately after coming inside

-Stay away from freshly-cut grass

-Wear an allergy face mask while working outside