Healthy Living

Why Are My Spring Allergies So Bad?

Apr. 1, 2026
Understanding Rochester’s Allergy Season, Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention

Key Takeaways

  • Warmer winters and changing weather patterns can increase local pollen count, making spring allergies more severe and longer-lasting.
  • Allergy symptoms don’t usually include fever, body aches, or severe headaches. Those may signal a cold or flu instead.
  • Reducing exposure (showering after being outside, using air filters, monitoring pollen counts) can help manage symptoms.
  • Treatment options for seasonal allergy relief range from over-the-counter antihistamines to allergy testing and immunotherapy, depending on severity.


Spring brings warmer weather and—for many in the Rochester, NY, region—a severe allergy season. This guide from Dr. Emily Weis and Dr. Katherine Tuttle in Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology at University of Rochester Medicine will help you identify symptoms, understand causes, find effective treatments, and take steps for relief.

What Causes Spring Allergies in Rochester?

From March to May in Western New York, high pollen counts from trees such as birch, maple, and oak causes most allergies. The pollen particles hardest on our health are so tiny they’re invisible, easily inhaled, and can travel more than 100 miles on spring breezes.

Tree pollen is extremely buoyant, traveling up to 100 miles. This means you’re probably not always reacting to the birch tree in your front yard.

Dr. Katherine Tuttle

Allergy Symptoms vs. Cold or Flu: How to Tell the Difference

Knowing the difference helps you choose the right treatment.

Symptoms more typical of allergies:

  • Itchy eyes
  • Red eyes
  • Itchy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Postnasal drip
  • Cough

Symptoms less common with allergies (but more common with colds/flu):
  • Fever
  • Body aches
  • Severe headaches (not associated with nasal allergy congestion)

Why Is This Year’s Allergy Season So Severe?

  • Warmer winters can lead to longer and more severe spring allergy seasons.
  • Weather changes, especially variations in air pressure, affect how much pollen circulates.
  • Longer pollen seasons: Each year, there’s evidence that pollen seasons begin earlier and last longer, making symptoms more persistent.
young african american girl blowing her nose with a tissue outside

Allergy Research at Golisano Children's Hospital

A study at University of Rochester Medicine's Golisano Children's Hospital seeks to understand how lifestyle differences influence immune system development and the prevalence of allergic diseases.

About the BABE Study

Are Fall and Spring Allergies the Same?

Symptoms can feel similar, but the triggers differ:

  • Spring: Tree pollen (birch, maple, oak)
  • Fall: Ragweed, weed pollens, outdoor molds (especially from August to first frost)

What Allergy Medicine or Eye Drops Should I Use?

There are several ways to find seasonal allergy relief:
  • Over-the-counter antihistamines: Relieve itchy, runny nose and sneezing.
  • Allergy eye drops: Soothe itchy, watery eyes (choose products specifically labeled for allergy relief, including for children).
  • Consult your provider: For persistent or severe symptoms, see your primary care doctor. They may refer you to an allergist for evaluation and allergy testing.

Can Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Yes. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation, which may lead to swelling of glands and lymph nodes—especially during high-pollen seasons.

What Are the Best Ways to Prevent and Relieve Allergy Symptoms?

In addition to FDA-approved allergy medicine, try these proven strategies:

  • Change clothes after being outside
  • Shower promptly to remove pollen from skin and hair
  • Wear sunglasses to shield eyes
  • Use saline nasal rinses
  • Stay hydrated
  • Vacuum regularly and use air filters at home
  • Run a humidifier (keep clean to prevent mold)
  • Time outdoor activities: Pollen is most intense in the early morning; wait until later in the day to open windows or exercise outside

Once you know your triggers, environmental avoidance is one of the most effective ways to treat symptoms.

Allergy & Immunology Care

URochester Medicine's Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology team is dedicated to patient-centered care for allergy sufferers of all ages. From diagnosis to personalized treatment plans, we help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

To schedule an appointment, contact your primary care provider or all (585) 486-0930 to reach out to our team.

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Sydney Burrows