By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
With Rochester’s nickname of the “Flower City,” it’s little wonder it ranks high on a list of challenging places to live with seasonal allergies.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s list of 2026 “Allergy Capitals” report states that Rochester rose from No. 85 to No. 5 on the list.
Fortunately, the report also states that Rochester has better-than-average access to allergy care such as providers like physician Shahzad Mustafa, with Rochester Regional Health.
“There are certainly medical therapies, like over-the-counter antihistamines, but they don’t tend to be the best,” Mustafa said. “Nasal steroids tend to be the most effective. There are also nasal antihistamines that help.”
For mild allergies, these may provide day-to-day help. However, visiting an allergist can proffer more individualized help.
“You can also consider immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots,” Mustafa said. “There are also FDA-approved under–the–tongue medication for dust mites, ragweed and grass.”
The regimen of monthly shots can take three to four years but for about 75% of patients, shots provide lasting reduction of allergic response. The sublingual therapy can last for six months at a time.
Environmental changes may also help reduce exposure to pollen. For example, allergy sufferers can plan their outdoor activities on days with low pollen count. Weather apps indicate pollen levels for the day. Pollen tends to be lower in the morning, so reduce going out between 2 and 9 p.m.
“Find out what you’re allergic to and find out what to do to reduce those triggers,” said physician Albert Hartel, at Allergy Asthma Immunology of Rochester, PC in Fairport, Canandaigua and Rochester. “If you wake up inflamed, there will be less to tip you over the edge. Dust mites and animals can do that.”
Washing bedding frequently can help reduce dust mites. To reduce pet allergies, go for breeds that are hypoallergenic. Poodles, “doodle mixes,” terriers and other breeds that shed little are good choices. For cats, opt for Siberian, Siamese, Bengal, Russian blue, Balinese, sphynx, Cornish rex, Devon rex and Burmese. These tend to be low-shedding breeds and breeds that produce a lower level of allergens. Proper grooming and washing pet bedding can reduce allergens.
Pets can also play a role in bringing pollen inside. Hartel advised wiping down animals when they come inside and avoiding sleeping with them, as pollen in their fur can aggravate seasonal allergies.
When exposed to pollen, it can help to shower and change clothing upon arriving home, as this may help reduce shedding pollen inside.
“Keep the windows closed,” Hartel said.
Bring in fresh air by using the air conditioner, as its filter can help trap pollen. Hartel said that an air purifier inside can also help trap pollen.
Hartel encourages patients to have their vitamin D level checked. Vitamin D is a pre-hormone generated by the body when exposed to sunlight without sunscreen applied to the skin. It helps regulate many functions in the body, including the immune system. Sufficient vitamin C can also help support the immune system. An overly taxed immune system can exacerbate seasonal allergies.