Florida Pollen Allergy Question

[TwoAtDisney]

We were full time rvers for many years. During that time, we usually wintered in the Disney area & often at FW. We never had any problems with allergies.

Then about 2003 or so, beginning about January 15 of each year, we could barely breathe because of the pollen. It was the green/yellow pollen that ended up all over vehicles, etc. We were told that prior to that time, there had been a drought that kept the pollen down; that was why it changed; the drought was over.

Anyone have this problem? We would love to spend more time at FW/Disney, but only if we can breathe!

Anyone find a solution? We are only interested in visiting during the winter season.

Thanks, Julie

 

[retired and happy]

The green/yellow pollen we have around here is pine pollen, and it does settle on everything. I've been told very few people are allergic to this pine pollen because the particles are so large and settle quickly. The problem is that it occurs concurrently with other pollens that are much smaller and consequently stay in the air and do affect many people. I've not heard of it being tied to a drought. It happens every year in the spring and would likely be less of a problem when there is rain because more of all types of pollen would be washed out of the air. There are a lot of pine trees around WDW, and i would suspect this is what you saw. I don't know if their pollen season occurs earlier than Atlanta's, but it would seeeem likely.

 

[TwoAtDisney]

thanks retired & happy. looks like we still have a problem with no solution, except don't visit Florida after 1/15, which is so disappointing for us. I take Allegra for allergies & it works just fine, except in Florida beginning about Jan 15! It got so bad that I had to sit up all nite - could not breathe if I lied down. We've tried it 3 winters in the past & happened every time.

Julie

 

[des1954]

I feel your pain, only I live here & can't escape from the pollen. It is primarily from the oak trees, with a little help from the pine trees. The pollen coats everything & makes a mess in addition to causing sinus problems. Some years it's worse than others. I don't know why. This past spring was particularly bad. I think it has more to do with how cold the winter was than how dry the winter was. This past winter was brutal (as Florida winters go).

 

[TwoAtDisney]

Thanks Debbie & I really feel your pain - living in it every day!

What I don't understand is we have lots of pine & oak trees in Indiana - lots! But yet it doesn't cause me problems here? But then we don't get the dusting of yellow/green pollen everywhere. As you said, must be the winter that makes the difference. Oh how I miss the winter in Florida - we enjoyed it so.

Debbie, do you know if there is any part of Florida that does not have this problem? Would hate to leave the Disney area, but some place in Florida for the winter is better than no Florida!

Also, have you found any "cure"?

Julie

 

[des1954]

The northern oaks and pines are a different species from what we have in Florida. The messy oaks are the live oaks. Not only do they spew nasty pollen in the spring, but they drop their very messy leaves in the winter. I've raked my share of maple leaves growing up, but maple leaves are nothing compared to live oak leaves. I'm not sure what the species name of the pine trees are. In spring, you can see how heavy laden the oaks are with pollen, as they turn a yellowish color.

As far as I know, live oaks go as far north as Georgia and as far south as the Keys. There's no escaping them!

As far as what to take to treat the symptoms from the pollen, I just bear with it. I'm not allergic to the pollen - it just annoys my sinuses.

 

[TwoAtDisney]

Thanks again, Debbie. Sad info for me (& for you!).

Julie