Autumn in Austin: Enjoying the weather, but allergies strike
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The topic of conversation all around Central Texas on Thursday was the gorgeous weather. You did not have to travel far to see people enjoying it. However, it comes with a not-so-fun fall return of allergies.
"The weather is lovely. It is absolutely beautiful. This is Austin in the fall. There is nothing better," an Austin resident told KXAN downtown.
She was one of many people outside enjoying what felt like a "real" fall day.
Even if it might not last for long, it did not stop people from strolling 6th Street, riding scooters or taking a break from work to grab lunch.
"This is the weather that everybody thinks they want to move to Austin for, and so they do," another man joked downtown.
While more people are getting outdoors, Mother Nature has her own fall favorite that likes to return this time of year -- allergies.
"It really hasn't rained much in the last month now, and so that dust, and those particles in the air, are causing a lot of problems, especially for those that went to the ACL Fest the past two weekends," Dr. John Villacis said.
Right now, grass and mold are high. Fall elm and ragweed are right behind.
Symptoms of allergies include itchy, runny, drippy and sneezy nose. If symptoms include sinus pressure, sinus pain, fever or muscle aches, that is usually more infection-related, Villacis explained.
He recommends over-the-counter medications, along with a nasal spray. However, there are other things you can do to keep sneezing at bay.
"Keep your windows closed. Air conditioning on. Don't hang laundry out to dry if you've been outside a whole lot. Take a bath or shower before you go to bed to sort of wash off those allergens," Dr. William Hark said.
The good news? Doctors say ragweed season is on its way out.
Just in time for the holidays, doctors remind everyone Cedar season will kick back up at the end of December.