Video: Pollen Covers North Mississippi

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Columbus, Miss. (WCBI) — Springtime is here, and with it comes pollen.

The springtime dust is already covering the cars, and stuffing our noses.

Dr. Phil Hooker from the Skin and Allergy Clinic said the most important thing for people in North Mississippi to know with the allergen is knowing the difference between an allergy and the common cold or flu.

Hooker said, first and foremost, check for fever. “You usually have a fever with a cold…”, said Hooker, “…if it’s allergies, you shouldn’t have a fever so get the thermometer out and make sure your temperature is normal.”

Hooker also explained how the discharged produced from your nose and eyes with the flu or a cold is “very thick”, whereas allergies produce discharged that is “water, like a faucet” along with watery eyes and itching.

Allergies symptoms are also common among all pollens, whether it is tree, grass, or weed, Hooker said. The Doctor explained that January through May is full of tree pollen, and weed pollen kicks off in the springtime. Hooker also said grass pollen will start filling the air in April, or depending on the temperature, possibly earlier.

Hooker also said when it comes to allergies, symptoms can last several weeks whereas cold symptoms will only last four to five days.

No matter what kind of weather comes through North Mississippi in the springtime, WCBI Chief Meteorologist Keith Gibson said pollen in the air and sprinkled on your car “shouldn’t be a surprise.”

“If you do get a rain shower, or really good rain, it will temporarily clear the air…”, Gibson explained, “…but, you know, that moisture is going to continue growing, and the sun is going to come back out, and things are going to keep growing…and greening up.

“As long as that happens, there’s going to be pollen during the springtime so you really can’t stop it, it’s just going to happen.”

Hooker also recommends residents wear eye and face protection when mowing the lawn.