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" Just when we escape that interminably winter, we now have to face even more of its effects: Welcome to the &amp;quot;pollen vortex.&amp;quot;  This past season&amp;#039;s colder temperatures and high snow precipitation delayed the release of tree pollen this spring, and it may now coincide with the release of grass pollen in May. And as the temperatures rise and we get a double whammy of pollen, allergy sufferers will definitely feel it (sorry, guys!). Pollen is measured from 0 to 12, 12 being the highest. In the coming weeks, the allergy forecast for the majority of the country is showing medium-high to high pollen levels, with some of the worst cities (like Baltimore and Wichita) already seeing numbers like 11.3-plus levels. On a brighter note, the 2014 allergy season may end up being shorter than usual, but allergy sufferers might want to prepare for some especially unpleasant weeks. So, what can you do? To be proactive, try a few simple things: 1. Keep your windows closed and prepare your house. 2. Hire someone or ask an allergy-free friend to help mow your lawn. 3. Wait to exercise outdoors until the early evening (pollen counts are generally higher in the morning). 4. Be sure your over-the-counter antihistamines aren&amp;#039;t expired, and stock up on some tissues (we&amp;#039;ve tested and recommended the best here!). 5. If OTC medicine isn&amp;#039;t enough, you and your doctor can consider allergy shots. More allergy-busting ideas: \u2022 Banishing Outdoor Allergies Starts Inside  \u2022 Easy Ways to Alleviate Seasonal Allergies \u2022 6 Things You Didn&amp;#039;t Know About Seasonal Allergies Photo credit: Joe Fox/Photographer&amp;#039;s Choice/Getty Images "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a23980/pollen-vortex-spring-allergies/>