Nothing to Sneeze At: Allergy Season Tips from Health Net of Oregon

Spring has sprung and for some that comes with sniffling, sneezing, itchy eyes and feeling just plain miserable.

Welcome to the spring allergy season.

"While the allergy season is actually year ’round, spring can be particularly bothersome for those susceptible to plant pollens and molds,” said Andrew Glass, M.D., medical director for Health Net of Oregon. "At this time of year, plant pollens and molds can trigger bouts of sneezing, itching, stuffy noses, watery eyes, wheezing and fatigue.”

As part of its emphasis on being a partner you can trust, Health Net offers tips on how to identify allergens in your area to prevent allergy attacks, and how to tell the difference between a cold and an allergy episode to determine the best treatment option.

How do I know if I have an allergy?

Your doctor is the best source of information about what is and is not an allergy for you. "He or she can determine what causes your symptoms, like molds or grass and tree pollens,” said Glass.

Once you know what you’re allergic to, it’s important to know how to spot triggers. In Oregon, some of the biggest culprits are:

• Trees such as alder and birch pollinate in the late winter to the early spring.
• Grass pollens are high in the late spring.
• Weed season can extend from spring or early summer through fall. Among the offenders: plantain weed and ragweed.

How can I manage my allergies?

You can control an allergy attack by avoiding outdoor triggers. Some tips:

• Keep your windows closed.
• Take a shower and wash your clothes after you’ve spent time outdoors. Allergens stick to fabrics.
• Take notice of allergen levels. Popular weather and health web sites show daily pollen forecasts. To find what’s in the air in your city, just do a web search on "pollen forecasts.”

Additionally, there are lots of over-the-counter tools available to treat allergy symptoms, everything from eye drops to nasal sprays and tablets. Work with your doctor to find the best solution for you.

Is it a cold or just my allergies?

Because they are treated with different medications, it’s important to tell the difference between a cold and an allergy. Colds are caused by viruses that attack your body’s immune system, causing classic cold symptoms like sore throats, muscle aches, headaches, fevers and coughing, as well as sneezing, runny noses and watery eyes.

Allergies, on the other hand, are caused by an overactive immune system attacking harmless substances like pollens and molds as if they were cold viruses. Allergy symptoms are similar to a cold, except allergy attacks don’t typically produce aches or fevers.

Health Net members seeking relief from seasonal allergies may log in to www.healthnet.com, then go to Decision Power Health & Wellness > View My Health Guide > Health Topics > then search for "allergies” for a variety of health references and resources.

Radio interviews available

Health Net medical personnel are available to discuss allergy triggers and treatments. To arrange a radio interview, please email maggie.huffman@healthnet.com or call 503.213.5279.

About Health Net

Health Net Health Plan of Oregon, Inc., is a subsidiary of Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT). Together with Health Net Life Insurance Company, it serves 160,000 members in Oregon and Washington and contracts with more than 30,000 physicians and other medical professionals and 146 hospitals, giving its members greater choice and convenient access to care.

Health Net of Oregon was founded in 1938. Its mission is to help people be healthy, secure and comfortable, while providing the highest level of friendly, knowledgeable and courteous customer service. The company offers group, individual and Medicare health plans, complementary care (chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathy medicine and massage therapy) as well as group prescription drug, vision and dental coverage. Dental and vision coverage is also available for members on individual and family plans. For more information about Health Net, visit its Web site at www.healthnet.com.