SAVANNAH, Ga. () — As temperatures continue to sizzle throughout August, so do allergy symptoms for millions of Americans. Ragweed, mold, and other late-summer triggers can turn a beautiful day into a sneezy one. We see allergens all year long across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.

Allergy specialist at Prime Care in Pooler, Dr. Neha Kharod said, “Mother nature doesn’t believe in seasons here, it’s always pollen season.”

Ragweed pollen can travel for hundreds of miles, meaning even if it’s not in your backyard, it’s still in your air and with summer thunderstorms and humidity, mold spores are thriving too.

“Freshwater humidity also contributes not just to the plant life itself, but we get a lot of mold blooms here,” said Kharod said.

Even as we continue to move past August and through upcoming seasons, allergy sufferers aren’t catching much of a break. Despite changes in weather and pollen types, allergens are lingering longer than many realize, according to Kharod.

“The pollen never really dies out completely. Even now, there’s tree pollen there. The ratio of what pollen is in the air might shift, but nothing ever zeros out. Whenever the temperature or weather shifts, new stuff comes in, but the old stuff doesn’t taper off.”

So how can you protect yourself? Kharod recommends monitoring the pollen count daily, keeping windows closed, and washing up after time outdoors.

“Wash up completely when you come indoors,” she said. “If you’re coming in at the end of the day, then what you should do is try to immediately change out of those clothes and take a shower changing into different clothes.”

Don’t forget that even mowing the lawn or going for a jog or walk can stir up allergens. Make sure to monitor allergy forecasts to help you breathe easier.

As of Tuesday, the pollen count remains moderate for this week.