Allergies: DC Tree Pollen Counts High, Taper Off as Week Progresses

Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, your eyes are itching and your nose is running: It's spring allergy season for many DC-area residents.

Cedar, maple and elm trees are all actively producing pollen this week in Georgetown, according to the Weather.com Pollencast.

The Pollencast predicts a high pollen count through Wednesday, with Thursday likely to be more moderate. 

The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang reported Monday evening that the pollen count was at 321.73 grains per cubic mh and echoed the Pollencast prediction that tree pollen will remain high throughout the week.

Pollen counts for both weeds and grass will remain very low for the remainder of the week.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America creates an annual list of "the 100 most challenging places to live with allergies during the spring season." Rankings are based on the pollen score, medicine utilization per patient and the number of board certified allergists per patient.

DC came in as the 66th worst place in the United States to live with spring allergies for the second year in a row. Jackson, Miss. climbed to the top spot on the list this year, up from fourth last year.

Suffering Already?

Over-the-counter allergy pills, nasal sprays, eye drops and more can be found at local pharmacies.

In Georgetown you can try:

• Morgan Care Pharmacy
• CVS on Wisconsin Avenue or M Street
• Safeway Pharmacy