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7 simple steps to curb allergy symptoms

ATLANTA — The pollen count is on the rise as temperatures remain spring-like during the winter.

For all of the allergy sufferers, there are things you can do to help keep the yellow stuff from ruining your day. WebMD.com put together a checklist for the allergy season.

- Go shoeless at home: Take off your shoes at the door so you track less pollen in.

- Wash your hair before bed: This will keep pollen from getting onto your pillow.

- Close windows: The fresh air feels good, but keep the doors and windows closed.

- Recirculate in the car: Keep windows closed in the car and recirculate the air instead of using the vent.

- Change filters at home: Switch out the filters in your furnace and air conditioner.

- Dry your clothes inside: Pollen can easily collect on clothing or bed linen if left outside to dry.

- Check pollen count: Watch WSB-TV and check wsbtv.com for updates on the fluctuating pollen count every day.

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Channel 2’s Linda Stouffer learned even renewed winter weather won’t help.

Dr. Kevin Schaffer told Stouffer there's no predicting whether the warmer temperatures mean a longer allergy season overall.

“When people are exposed to pollen early on, it primes them so repeated exposure is even worse,” Schaffer said.

So even if we go through a cold snap or rain, we will get more pollen and people will be worse as a result

Doctors recommend allergy suffers get full testing and, if needed, treatments with drops or shots.

They have really helped Vernon Adams, even though he still notices these spikes.

“Oh it’s, like, sleep is going to be more challenging and got to make sure I keep up with my shots,” Adams said.