This spring is expected to have higher pollen counts at earlier times than previous years due to the particularly cold and harsh winter in the United States. A recent report says that the pollen counts in Atlanta have reached a level of 944, compared to just 41 a year ago around this time.

This spring is expected to have higher pollen counts at earlier times than previous years due to the particularly cold and harsh winter in the United States.

A recent report says that the pollen counts in Atlanta have reached a level of 944, compared to just 41 a year ago around this time.

That’s the highest pollen counts in five years this early in the season.

One way that you can start protecting yourself is to get tested and find out what pollens, if any, cause you to have an allergic reaction.

Jessica Baldwin, an allergy nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Georgia is quoted as saying: “I know it's hard to avoid the pollens in the air and things like that, but if you have a cat or dog allergy, dust mites, mold - those are pretty easy to avoid. You can find them and get rid of them.”

Symptoms of an allergy to pollen include runny nose, sneezing, itchiness, sore throat and a raspy voice caused by inflammation.

There are effective medical treatments for those who suffer from allergies including immunotherapy prescription drugs.