Health Tip: Don't Be Surprised by Fall Allergies

(HealthDay News) -- As the weather cools down and the tree leaves turn for fall, don't let allergy season catch you off guard.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says that:

• Hay fever isn't an allergy to hay, and it's actually called allergic rhinitis. It's the term that's sometimes used to describe allergies that happen in late summer, often from ragweed pollen.
• Ragweed pollen is usually high from mid-August until the first hard freeze, but it varies based on where you live.
• Unusually warm temperatures through fall can worsen allergy symptoms. Get ahead of symptoms by taking allergy medications when the season starts and before symptoms plague you.
• Try not to rake leaves if you have allergies. If you must, wear a mask to limit breathing in the allergens they stir up.
• Remember to protect kids from allergens in school, such as chalk dust, classroom pets and food allergies.