Hayfever

[AlexWilson]

I suffer badly in June with Hayfever, usually starts in May and ends in August but June is the worst.

Is it a problem in Florida or do most people find they are OK?

If it is a problem what is the worst time of year for it and can you buy medicine over the counter?

[Susan Veness]

It depends on what you are allergic to. When we first moved to Orlando I had all sorts of problems since many of the landscaping plants are different to Michigan's, and I'm also sensitive to chemicals (the sort they spray on the landscaping and especially the kind used to clean carpets, which they do often in the hotels). Time of year is likely to matter less than the particular irritant that bothers you. You may be allergic to something in the UK that we don't have in Florida.

Arizona is known for being a great place for allergy sufferers, but I had problems out there too. It really all depends on what you're sensitive to. But if you do have a problem, you can easily find an over the counter antihistimine. Benedryl is the one many doctors recommend, but Sudafed (the real stuff, not the generic!) works well too. You'll have a choice of many brands, so just ask the chemist (pharmacist, here in the States) and he or she will be happy to help you decide. :)

[palmer gang]

i have been over in august and not had a problem but then hayfever has got better in the uk as i have got older

[AlexWilson]

Thanks Susan, its mainly grass seed and cats that I react to!

[Simon Veness]

Florida grass is very different to the UK version (some people - myself included! - wouldn't even call it grass), so that may not be a problem. Cats are cats the world over, however, although they are not terribly common in Florida (dogs are far more prevalent for some reason).

[AlexWilson]

Thanks Simon, I had heard that grass in the US is different so I'm hoping it will be fine.

4 days to go!!!!!

[Susan Veness]

Just to clarify, the grass in Florida is different, but you'll find grass like the stuff you're used to in most other states. Florida's sun (and Arizona's) is so brutal 'normal' grass can't survive there. You might find regular grass in some places, especially if you're staying at or near a golf resort, so keep that in mind.

[palmer gang]

forida grass is like being on the set of Honey I shrunk the kids! LOL:laughing:

[Catlady]

Strangely enough we were talking to a gardener about Florida grass and he says that someone he knew imported some over to the UK and the whole lot died. it would seem that it's too cold in dear old Britain for it!:eek:

[LeonieM]

I suffer from perenial allergic rhinitis, ie all-year-round hayfever. I take Zirtek every single day of the year. In fact, I've just realised I forgot to pick up my new prescription on the way home tonight! I must remember to do it tomorrow.

I don't find the US any worse than being at home, but it depends what affects you the worst really. For me, it's tree pollen and grass pollen which are the worst offenders - at least, they are in the UK.

[sex kitten]

Hi LeonieM, I'm allergic to tree pollen and blossom too. People look at me in amazement when I tell them in January [there is a horrid pink blossomed tree that flowers then] that I don't have a cold, but its hayfever. Catkins are a particular bugbear. :angry:
The only lucky thing is, that come around may, mine clears up. :happy-thumb
There is one tree in SW that always sets me off and I end up with tears running down my face. But can't identify which one causes it.