How to prepare for early allergy season in 2026

Across the United States, spring allergy season is starting earlier, lasting longer, and becoming more severe. And 2026 will be no exception.

In parts of the Southeast, such as Georgia, allergy season has already begun, starting in late February instead of the usual early March. Residents in parts of the Southwest, including Arizona and California, have also already reported allergy symptoms. An early start could quickly impact the Northeast and Pacific Northwest, experts said.

“At first we thought it wouldn’t be early[in 2026]because we had a recent snowstorm, but the weather didn’t show us that (last week),” said Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist based in New York City. “I think allergy season will start earlier, at a similar pace to previous years.”

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Some of Parikh’s patients have already started complaining of allergy symptoms, she says. This spring allergy season could be more severe than previous seasons, she added. This is a continuation from the spring of 2025, when people prone to hay fever reported more severe symptoms than usual.

“The general trend is that (allergy) seasons are becoming more severe due to rising temperatures,” Parikh said.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, global climate change has resulted in warmer seasons on average in the United States, including winter, and longer agricultural growing seasons, despite the recent bitterly cold months of January and February. This means more pollen is produced, which could make allergy season more severe because “not only is there more pollen, but it’s there for longer,” Parikh says.

“It’s like a double whammy…not only is it a longer season, but it’s also a stronger season,” she says.

Here are Parikh’s five recommendations for minimizing symptoms this upcoming allergy season.

Start taking allergy medications early: Dr. Parikh advises patients to start taking allergy medications now, or as soon as they feel symptoms, she says. She added that she knows of other allergists who give similar advice. “If all your symptoms get worse, the medication won’t be as effective. Don’t wait until you’re miserable. Choose the medication that’s right for you. In general, 24-hour antihistamines are more effective at relieving symptoms than other types of allergy medications,” says Parikh. But if you experience side effects like headaches or drowsiness, you can try antihistamine or steroid nasal sprays instead, she says. Always consult your doctor before taking any new medication. Please keep your windows closed at night. A simple change you can make to avoid a flare-up is to close your windows before bed, she says. According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, pollen counts are highest in the morning. Be careful not to spread pollen throughout your home. “Pollen can get on your body, and you’re breathing in pollen even when you’re inside the house,” says Parikh. To prevent this, change your clothes and take a shower if possible as soon as you enter the house. Watch out for dust mites and animal dander: Although dust mites and animal dander are not seasonal allergens, they can worsen hay fever symptoms, says Parikh. If you have pets, she suggests washing their bedding frequently, vacuuming frequently, and considering purchasing a HEPA air purifier.

“Despite a cold, snowy winter, New York is already experiencing record warmth,” Parikh said, referring to an 80-degree day in March that technically occurred before the start of spring. “These are signs that pollen is coming, so let’s see what happens over the next few weeks.”

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