There’s a version of September where you feel fine, and there’s another where you spend six weeks congested with a headache behind your eyes wondering when it’s going to stop.

If fall allergies get you every year, one of the best things you can do is simple:

Start treating them before they get bad.

Ragweed Doesn’t Care That Summer Is Over

Ragweed is one of the biggest fall allergy triggers in Oklahoma. It starts showing up in late summer, often peaks around September, and can hang around well into the fall.

If you know seasonal allergies tend to get you every year, don’t wait until you wake up miserable to do something about it.

For many people with seasonal allergies, nasal steroid sprays can be an effective option. Unlike products designed to provide more immediate symptom relief, these sprays work best when used consistently and may take several days to reach their full effect. During your allergy season, consistency matters.

Technique matters, too. When using a nasal spray, aim slightly outward toward your ear rather than directly toward the center wall of your nose. If you’re not sure you’re using yours correctly, ask us and we can show you.

Saline rinses can also help wash allergens out of your nasal passages. Just remember, only use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water for nasal rinsing. Never straight tap water.

You can also reduce your exposure to pollen by keeping windows closed when pollen counts are high, changing clothes after spending a lot of time outside, and showering before bed after a day outdoors.

Standing in the Allergy Aisle Feeling Overwhelmed?

Come ask us.

That aisle is bigger than it needs to be, and a lot of those boxes contain the same few ingredients in different packaging.

Tell us your symptoms, what medications you already take, and any health conditions you have, and we can help narrow it down. This is especially important because certain allergy and decongestant products may not be the best choice for everyone.

Sometimes a two-minute conversation with your pharmacist can save you a lot of time staring at boxes.

Fall Is Also Vaccine Season

September and October are also good times to take a quick look at your vaccines.

Depending on your age, health history, and what you’ve already received, there may be more than one worth reviewing.

Flu: A flu vaccine is recommended every year for most people 6 months and older. September and October are generally good times for most adults to receive it.

COVID-19: Recommendations and available vaccines can change from season to season, so this is one we recommend asking us about rather than assuming.

RSV: RSV vaccination is currently recommended for all adults 75 and older and adults ages 50–74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness. It is not currently an annual vaccine.

Pneumococcal: Pneumococcal vaccination is now recommended for many adults beginning at age 50, as well as younger adults with certain medical conditions. What you need depends heavily on what you’ve already received.

Shingles: Two doses are recommended for adults 50 and older, as well as certain adults 19 and older who are immunocompromised.

Depending on which vaccines you’re due for, more than one may be able to be given during the same visit.

One trip. Maybe two sore arms. Done.

Let Us Help Keep Track

You don’t need to memorize the vaccine schedule.

At Jones Drug Store, we can review the immunization information available to us, look at what you’ve already received, and help determine what you may be due for.

And if you’re not sure what you’ve had, that’s okay too. We’ll help sort through it.

No appointment needed. Bring your insurance card, and we can check your expected coverage before you decide.

Get Ahead of Fall

Getting ahead of fall can save you a lot of miserable days later.

Whether you’re trying to stay ahead of your usual fall allergies or wondering which vaccines you may be due for, stop by Jones Drug Store and talk with us. We can help you sort through the allergy aisle, review your medications, and take a look at your immunization history.

We’d much rather see you in September and help you prepare than hear in November that you’ve been miserable for six weeks.

Taking care of you and your family is what we’re here for.