Spring Has Sprung! April 2026

A Simple Routine for Managing Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies—sometimes called hay fever—can make the height of spring and summer feel miserable. Congestion, sneezing, runny noses, sinus pressure, and itchy or watery eyes can all interfere with your day.

The good news is that a consistent routine can often make a significant difference. During the height of allergy season, we generally recommend following an allergy-support routine consistently for 30–60 days, depending on your symptoms and the length of your local allergy season.

Here are three simple steps we commonly recommend:

1. Start with a Daily Saline Nasal Rinse

One of our favorite first steps for seasonal allergies is a daily saline nasal rinse using a neti pot or saline squeeze bottle.

We commonly use the NeilMed squeeze bottle, which is available at many retailers and pharmacies.

A saline rinse can help by:

• Flushing pollen and other irritants out of the nasal passages

• Clearing excess mucus where allergens and other irritants can collect

• Supporting healthy nasal passages and helping keep the nasal mucosa clear

If you're new to nasal rinsing, it may take a little practice to get comfortable with the technique. We recommend trying it in the shower, where you can experiment with your head position and find the angle that allows the saline to flow comfortably through your nasal passages.

Important: Always use the saline solution as directed and use appropriately distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water for nasal irrigation.

2. Follow Your Rinse with Flonase

After your saline rinse, we commonly recommend Flonase (fluticasone) for seasonal allergy symptoms.

A typical adult dose is 2 sprays in each nostril daily, but follow the product label or your provider's specific instructions.

Technique matters! When using a nasal spray, try using your opposite hand for the opposite nostril. For example, use your right hand to spray into your left nostril and your left hand for your right nostril. This can help direct the medication toward the appropriate area of the nasal passage rather than straight toward the nasal septum.

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that works locally in the nasal passages to reduce inflammation caused by allergies. Because it is administered locally, it generally has much less whole-body exposure than oral corticosteroids.

3. Consider a Daily Second-Generation Antihistamine

The third part of the routine is a daily antihistamine.

Common options include:

• Cetirizine — the generic form of Zyrtec

• Fexofenadine — the generic form of Allegra

These newer-generation antihistamines are generally less sedating than older medications such as Benadryl, although some people can still experience drowsiness. For that reason, taking your antihistamine in the evening may be a good option, especially when you're first starting it.

As with any medication, follow the label directions and talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about which medication is appropriate for you.

Take Advantage of Your DPC Membership

If you're a Love Wellness member, you don't necessarily have to make a trip to the store for your allergy medications.

Manifest Rx, our mail-order pharmacy, can ship certain medications directly to our members at no additional cost. Check Manifest Rx before heading to the store to see whether your medications are available through your membership benefits.

Find an Allergy Routine That Works for You

Seasonal allergies don't have to be something you simply tolerate until the season passes. A consistent approach—starting with a saline rinse, followed by an appropriate nasal spray and antihistamine—can help manage symptoms throughout allergy season.

Of course, everyone's allergies and medical history are different. If your symptoms aren't improving, are interfering with your daily life, or you're unsure which medications are right for you, reach out to the Love Wellness team.

We can help you determine whether a telehealth visit, phone call, or in-person appointment is the right next step.

Love Wellness members: Don't forget to check Manifest Rx before heading to the store and take advantage of the benefits included with your DPC membership.