To Your Health: Beat Allergies Before They Start This Spring

PRINCE GEORGE – When spring arrives, trees start to bloom and the days get warmer. But for millions of Canadians, it also brings allergy symptoms. Pharmacist Brianna Pallot explains that sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes during allergy season are more than just annoying—they can really disrupt your daily life.

Pallot suggests looking beyond the most familiar brands at the pharmacy. She explains that Benadryl can cause drowsiness, wears off quickly, and needs to be taken several times a day, so it is not the best option for managing symptoms all season long. Instead, she recommends non-drowsy 24-hour antihistamines and over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays, which can help with eye irritation, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

Her main advice is not to wait until symptoms start. Taking antihistamines or nasal sprays before you are exposed to pollen can stop the histamine response from building up. If over-the-counter options are not enough, she says pharmacists can now assess patients and prescribe stronger prescription-only antihistamines under a minor ailment framework. You do not need a doctor’s appointment for this.