Recent shifts in temperatures could spell trouble for allergy sufferers across Virginia this season. That’s the first piece of bad news.

Our false spring—when temperatures rose briefly and then dipped—caused pollen levels to rise, fall, and then rise again, creating a pattern called the “priming” effect. What does that mean? It means your system is primed to respond to the pollen when you’re re-exposed, and your symptoms could be worse than usual when spring arrives in full bloom.

The second piece of bad news? This may not be a unique phenomenon. Earlier springs with higher-intensity allergy seasons could become the norm as our climate change accelerates.

Traditional allergy symptoms include a miserable combination of congestion, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, itchy and sore throat, headaches, and itchy ears. If you have concerns about seasonal allergies, as always, consult your doctor to help you find the relief you need.