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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: March 26, 2019
Do you suffer from frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, watery, red or swollen eyes? Has your car turned a nice shade of dark yellow with a slight tint of green? All of these are clear signs that pollen season has arrived. If you think outdoor allergies are getting worse every year, you may be correct. Recent studies suggest that climate change and increased carbon dioxide levels are causing spring seasons to arrive sooner. Trees usually begin pollinating in mid-March and end in late May. Grass and spring weed pollens start to appear in early May and continue through early summer. The best way to fight the symptoms of allergy season is to find ways you can reduce or even eliminate allergens in the air. Here are some simple tips that can help you avoid symptoms while still enjoying the great outdoors this spring and summer:
Allergists recommend beginning preventive measures in early March prior to the start of pollen season. According to Stamps Health Services Senior Director Dr. Holton, “over the counter medications such as non-sedating antihistamines, including loratadine, cetirizine, or fexofenadine, and nasal steroid sprays such as Flonase can be helpful. Oral prescription medication, such as montelukast sodium, can also be helpful. For those who continue struggling with allergies after these measures have been tried, it is recommended that you speak with an allergy specialist to pursue allergy injections or additional medication.” Stamps Health Services can provide allergy shots after you are under the care of an Atlanta-based Board Certified Allergist and have initiated allergy shots with the allergist. For a list of local allergists near Georgia Tech check out health.gatech.edu/allergy.