Support Us Button Widget

How to survive cedar fever, according to readers

Don’t sniffle in silence — try these tips from fellow readers.

A close up on a cedar branch.

Due to the ongoing drought, cedar pollen counts are expected to be slightly lower than usual.

Photo by Adam Kring

Table of Contents

According to our recent poll, at least 64% of you catch cedar fever symptoms at least some years, and you were very generous with your survival tips. As for the 29% of you who never have symptoms — consider yourself lucky.

Cedar pollen tends to peak from January-February, so now’s the time to strap in for the long haul. We’re not doctors, so remember these tips aren’t a substitute for professional medical advice.

Over-the-counter medications 💊

  • Most readers said they prefer a daily antihistamine like Zyrtec or Claritin, which they start taking around November before symptoms start to flare up.
  • Many readers also cited success with nasal sprays and allergy drops.

Allergy shots 💉

  • Securing the second most recommendations behind antihistamines, 10% of you swear by getting allergy shots.

At-home treatments 🧽

  • Keep your home as clean and free of pollen as possible by wiping down pets, changing clothes, and/or bathing after extended periods of time outside.
  • Using a nasal rinse and taking hot showers can help soothe congestion.
  • For the few of you that cope through leaving town or “complaining” — I felt that.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it may be time to see a doctor if none of these treatments work and symptoms persist.

More from ATXtoday
These mansions are on the market right now, so you can dare to dream about living in some of Austin’s nicest homes.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in the Capital City.
Whether or not you have tickets to the upcoming I-35 Series games, the San Antonio Spurs are inviting Austinites to get in on the action during Spurs Week.
Whether you’re looking for omakase, sake pairings, a sushi conveyor belt, a whimsical interior, or an “Ahi Tower,” we’ve got the restaurant for you.
The historic Huston-Tillotson University has produced dozens of notable alumni who have shaped the Austin folks know today.
Chef-owner Amir Hajimaleki has been honing the concept through local pop-ups since 2018 with plans to showcase the Persian “art of hospitality.”
As you watch the 2026 Super Bowl, keep watch for a few familiar, local faces that will make a cameo during the commercials.
Cheer on Team USA at this year’s Winter Olympics in Milan, where four talented Texans will compete for the gold.
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count attracts more than one million people nationwide to help record the bird population.
The company will drop 350 new memberships with the opening of its second workspace, a former auto repair shop, in March.