Achoo! Before the cold front came through today,

[elleng]

the tree pollen count soared over 2,000 grains per cubic meter of air in DC, second highest this year (only trailing a big spike when it first got warm in March).
Discussion here: https://wapo.st/32tGzGu

[IronLionZion]

1. Oh I can feel it

along with people flipping out because they're worried sneezes spread COVID.

Masks help me limit inhaling pollen but it still makes my eyes red and itchy. I stick to gym workouts because walking outdoors is unbearable these days.

[elleng]

2. Did sneeze a couple times today,

but didn't go out due to cold and wind.

HOWEVER, cleaned a bunch of 'pollen' off my shoes this morning; haven't noticed eye problems, thank goodness.

[jmbar2]

3. I've only visited DC once and thought I was gonna die

I was on an overnight business trip during cherry blossom season. As soon as I got off the plane, my nose and eyes started watering so badly I literally couldn't see or breathe. I took a bunch of antihistamines - enough to get through the meeting, then caught the next flight out.

I was sick for the first flight home. Once I caught my second plane in Atlanta, everything cleared up. I've never had allergies that bad anywhere before.

I suppose you'd get used to it, but it made me appreciate living during a time of readily available antihistamines. I can't imagine life in DC before them.

[elleng]

6. SORRY you didn't enjoy the loveliness;

I worked downtown, and walked around Tidal Basin cherry blossoms @ lunch time.

[jmbar2]

7. I loved it! The flowers, buildings and landscaping throughout the city were fabulous!

I only had a brief meeting. Have always wanted to come back for a longer visit, but the allergies were like nothing I've ever experienced.

Do you just get used to it?

[IronLionZion]

4. DC is ranked 72 out of 100 challenging US cities to live in with allergies

Scranton is the worst. Durham is the least challenging.

https://www.aafa.org/allergy-capitals/

For me it's seasonal in springtime. I've harder times in Western PA where I grew up and Florida where my parents live now.

[elleng]

5. Didn't know that!

My seasonal allergies seem to have dissipated; was a mess as a kid when, in NYC suburb, lived next door to vacant lot FULL of weeds. Thankfully a house was built there.