April 2026
Environmental allergies are triggered by substances in your environment — think pollen, pets, mold, and dust. These are different from allergies triggered by what you consume, like food or medicine.
But there are some myths about environmental allergies that can make them harder to identify or treat. Below, we debunk four common myths about environmental allergies.
Myth #1: Seasonal allergies can happen only in the spring.
Reality: Seasonal allergies can happen at any time of year.
While it’s true that those with tree pollen allergies will tend to experience the most symptoms in the spring, other allergens peak at different times of the year.
Those with grass allergies tend to experience the most symptoms during the summer, and those with ragweed allergies tend to have the most symptoms in the fall. And even those general guidelines can vary depending on your local climate and the exact timing of when various plants grow and produce pollen.
In addition, some non-plant allergies may fluctuate with the seasons. Mold, for example, needs moisture to thrive. So your seasonal allergy symptoms will coincide with the time of year your local climate tends to be damp or humid.
Not sure when certain allergens peak in your area? Put your zip code into pollen.com for information on which allergens are currently prevalent where you live. If you know what you’re allergic to, this can help you know when to take pollen-mitigating steps (like keeping windows closed and exercising indoors).
Myth #2: If you’re allergic to pets, you’re allergic to their fur.
Reality: If you’re allergic to pets, you’re allergic to their dander.
According to the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology, those who are allergic to pets (like cats and dogs) are actually allergic to a protein that’s found in their skin, saliva, and urine — not their fur.
If you choose to live with a pet despite your allergies, it’s still worthwhile to take steps to reduce fur in the house because the same steps will also help reduce exposure to dander. These steps include vacuuming the floors frequently with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum, running an air filter, washing the floors regularly, and keeping pets off sofas and beds.
Myth #3: If you weren’t allergic to something as a kid, you can’t be allergic to it now.
Reality: Allergies can begin at any age.
According to the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology, roughly 20% of those with “hay fever” (a catch-all term for allergies to things like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold) develop symptoms after age 20.
If you have allergy-like symptoms (like a runny nose, congestion, or eyes that are itchy, red, or watery) and they persist for more than a couple of weeks, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if your symptoms are signs of an allergy and refer you to an allergist if needed.
They can also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) allergy treatments and suggest steps you can take to reduce exposure.
If that’s not enough to control your symptoms, an allergist may recommend allergy shots to desensitize your immune system to the allergen.
Myth #4: Moving to a different climate will help cure your allergies.
Reality: Moving often has no impact on your allergies or only lessens them temporarily.
Moving to escape a pollen allergy rarely works out. Here’s why:
Pollen is carried by the wind, and it can be carried hundreds of miles or more. In fact, one study found that the sparsely vegetated German Alps hosted pollen from Switzerland, France, and even Canada — and that this pollen triggered allergy symptoms in 87% of people who were already sensitive to that particular allergen!
If you’re prone to allergies — that is, if your immune system is prone to overreacting to something benign, like pollen — you’ll probably develop new allergies over time as your immune system gets sensitized to the types of pollen in your new home area.
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