Treat your seasonal allergies with an online doctor visit and prescription medication.

No, seasonal allergies aren't contagious. Allergies are caused by an immune system reaction to environmental allergens such as pollen or dust mites. They’re not caused by a virus or bacteria, and they can’t be spread from person to person through contact or respiratory droplets.

Research suggests that if one or both parents have seasonal allergies, their children are more likely to develop them as well. This is because genetics can play a role in determining how the immune system responds to environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites.

However, while genetics can increase the risk of developing seasonal allergies, it’s not a guarantee. Other factors such as exposure to allergens and the person’s overall health and immune system also play a role.

Most people with seasonal allergies do not experience a fever as a symptom. Seasonal allergies typically involve sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and sometimes coughing. However, allergies can lead to a sinus infection (or sinusitis), which is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses. Sinusitis can cause symptoms such as facial pain, headache, congestion, and occasionally, a fever.

Yes, allergies can cause a sore throat. When someone is exposed to an allergen such as pollen or pet dander, the immune system may react by releasing histamine, which can cause inflammation in the throat and lead to a sore throat. Additionally, postnasal drip (which is a common symptom of allergies) can irritate the throat and cause discomfort.

Yes, allergies can make you cough. When a person is exposed to an allergen — such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander — the immune system may react by producing excess mucus in the respiratory system. This can lead to coughing as the body tries to expel the mucus.

Additionally, postnasal drip (which is a common symptom of allergies) can irritate the throat and cause coughing. Since coughing can also be a symptom of other conditions, it's best to consult a healthcare provider if your cough persists after a few weeks.

Yes, air purifiers can help with seasonal allergies by removing airborne allergens from the air, such as pollen, dust, and mold spores. These allergens can trigger allergic reactions in those with seasonal allergies.

Air purifiers work by using filters to capture these allergens, preventing them from circulating in the air and reducing the amount of allergens in the environment. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are particularly effective in capturing small particles such as pollen and dust.

Keep in mind that air purifiers aren’t a complete solution for seasonal allergies. If you have seasonal allergies, it’s important to take additional measures to reduce your exposure to allergens. This includes keeping your windows closed during high pollen days; washing your pillowcases, sheets, and blankets regularly; and avoiding outdoor activities during peak allergy season.

Seasonal allergies typically last for several weeks or months during the allergy season. The length of the allergy season can vary depending on the geographical location and the type of allergens. During this time, those with seasonal allergies may experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.