JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It's almost that time of year again to set our clocks ahead and spring forward. But it seems the spring weather has arrived a little early, and brought the pollen with it.
Yellow pollen is already covering cars all over town and stirring up allergies.
Dr. Jesse McRae is an allergist with St. Vincent's and he said that the milder winter is the main reason people are having allergy problems already.
"The onset of pollen was much more abrupt this year, where most years it is gradual," said McRae.
Tree pollen is the cause of all the allergy issues so far. Dr. McRae said he expects the pollen will be around through the end of April. And when the weather starts warming up, grass pollen will also add to the problem.
McRae said there are a few ways you can try and avoid the allergy symptoms.
"Doing more in the early morning, taking walks in the morning or evening to avoid being out in the middle of the day," McRae.
There are a number of over the counter medications available to help with allergies, but McRae said you have to be careful. If you take them too often, your body can build up a tolerance and make them less affective.