Stave Off Seasonal Allergies

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may look toward the sunny days of spring with a mixture of anticipation and dread. Millions of Americans have seasonal allergies, and during the spring, tree pollen reaches its highest levels. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce your exposure to pollen and other seasonal allergens, like grasses and weeds.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are immune system reactions that affect some people. Most often the symptoms are simply annoying—sneezing, a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. In some cases, uncontrolled allergies can make conditions like asthma worsen.

Although it occurs much less often than typical allergy symptoms, anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It requires immediate medical intervention.

Medicare & You

Learn more about how FEP works with Medicare by downloading the Medicare and You Guide for Federal Employees.

Keep Allergies at Bay

Some of the medications available to control and manage allergy symptoms include:

• Antihistamines to help reduce sneezing and nasal drainage and to relieve itchy nose and eyes.
• Decongestants to help relieve nasal congestion.
• Nasal sprays to prevent or reduce allergic symptoms or reactions. There are two types of nasal sprays—topical nasal steroids and cromolyn sodium.

Your doctor may recommend one or a combination of these medications to manage your symptoms. If you’re not sure what you’re allergic to or if you need information about the treatment plan that’s best for you, visit your physician for expert advice. If Medicare Part B is your primary coverage (it pays first), your copayment for your participating doctor visit and related allergy testing is waived – you pay nothing for covered care.

If you have questions about your allergy symptoms, you can also contact the Nurse Advice Line at 1.888.258.3432 or chat with a nurse online .  You have around-the-clock access to a registered nurse for immediate and reliable health care advice, anytime, anywhere, through e-mail, live chat and phone.

Our Online Symptom Adviser is another valuable resource. When you answer some questions about your condition, the Adviser uses the same logic that your doctor or nurse would use to evaluate your condition and then gives you a recommendation for the right medical care, from calling an ambulance to following self-care instructions at home.

By making a few simple changes to your routine, you can reduce your exposure to allergens and help reduce annoying allergy symptoms.

• Avoid the great outdoors when pollen counts are high. You can avoid many allergens by staying inside, preferably in a temperature-controlled building where the windows are shut. When driving, close your car windows and adjust your vent to re-circulate the air within your car.
• Take your allergy medications regularly. If you have prescription or over-the-counter allergy medications, take them exactly as directed. Some prescription drugs that treat allergies work best when you start using them several weeks before your allergy season hits in full force. Be prepared and take action early to avoid the discomfort of allergic reactions.
• Rinse it away. After a day of outdoor activity, it’s a good idea to shower and wash off pollen or other allergens that may cling to your skin or hair. That way, you also avoid spreading pollen in your home, especially in your bed.  

Allergies often run in families. If you have allergies, there’s a good chance that your children may as well. In addition to the guidance in this article, you can visit Healthy Families , a free program for Service Benefit Plan members which offers information and programs for families with children and teens, aged 2-18.

Your Service Benefit Plan coverage also provides benefits for services related to allergy care. Please see Section 5(a) in the 2011 Service Benefit Plan brochure for more information.

Make spring a season to enjoy! Consult your medical professional for guidance about your specific allergies, take any recommended medications regularly, and make a few simple lifestyle changes to reduce or eliminate your allergy symptoms.

April 2011. Paula Spurway, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Resources include: Blue Health Connection; and the 2011 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan brochure.

Page last updated: December 21, 2011