Ragweed Allergies Surge In Oklahoma: What You Can Do

Ragweed season is in full swing in Oklahoma. Many Oklahoma residents are currently suffering from all of the allergy ailments - stuffy nose, itchy eyes - we're all plumb miserable! But if you've been lucky to not have been knocked down by Oklahoma's ragweed season, there's still time to protect yourself from a severe allergic reaction.

Oklahoma's ragweed count this past week have been the highest in eight years. Because of the wet year Oklahoma has had, the ragweed is having a field day and is growing rapidly. Ragweed is especially intense because it releases up to a billion pollen grains, therefore the Oklahoma winds really sweep it down the plains.

Oklahoma is currently experiencing very high ragweed pollen.

Oklahoma's ragweed season began in August, but record-high amounts of ragweed pollen have been detected over the past two weeks across the state this September.

On Wednesday, September 17, the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic issued a very high alert for ragweed pollen in Oklahoma and described it as an "extreme exposure situation" that could cause "severe symptoms" to those with weed pollen sensitivity.

How to protect yourself from ragweed allergies.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies in Oklahoma, then you'll want to take extra precautions this ragweed season. The Oklahoma Asthma and Allergy Clinic provided a list of ways to limit exposure to ragweed pollen:

Limit your time outdoors.
Stay up to date on local pollen counts.
Keep all doors and windows closed in your home.
Shower and wash clothes after spending extended time outside.

Where To See Fall Colors In Oklahoma

Whether it's the feeling you get when you see falls warm colors in the trees, or the comfort of a memory you recall from a younger time in your life, there are places in Oklahoma to see the beauty of autumn.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Oklahoma's Beneficial Insects

Not all insects are pests! There are some insects that are beneficial to you and your garden. In a study by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service on beneficial insects, "most insects found in yards, gardens or crops do not feed on or harm plants. Many are just 'passing through' or have very innocuous habits. Others feed on and destroy pest species. In many cases, the activities of these beneficial species can prevent or greatly limit pest problems."

Gallery Credit: Jeri Anderson

Source: How To Protect Yourself From Oklahoma’s Ragweed Season

Filed Under: Texoma News

Categories: Oklahoma News