The Truth About Hay Fever

Your eyes are itchy, your nose is running, and suddenly everyone's an expert on allergies. But what really works when you can't stop sneezing? Here's the truth about seasonal allergies.

Can I grow out of my allergies? Maybe. Some people do see their symptoms fade over time, and scientists aren't sure why. But you can also develop new allergies or just different symptoms, so don't bank on it.

Does eating local honey help? There's no cure for allergies, and there's no scientific proof that honey will relieve itching and sneezing. So enjoy it as a sweet treat but not as a remedy for allergies.

If the pollen count is high, will my allergies act up? Maybe. There are lots of types of pollen from different kinds of trees, grasses, and weeds. Just because you're allergic to pollen doesn't mean you're allergic to every pollen. This means when you hear the daily pollen count is predicted to be high, it doesn't necessarily mean that's the count of the pollen you're allergic to that's high.

I'm congested from allergies, so do I need an antibiotic? No. Antibiotics don't help allergies. Those for a bacterial infection, like sinusitis. You could just be dealing with allergy symptoms. A steroid nose spray can help reduce inflammation. You may need an antihistamine or a decongestant for quick relief.