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It's not too early to prepare for spring allergy

Posted at 6:20 PM, Feb 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-09 18:38:15-05

While it still feels like winter, doctors say February isn't too early to start preparing for spring allergies.

Nearly one in five Americans suffer from hay fever. Starting early can help sufferers get a jump on things, especially if grass allergies are a problem.

"This is actually the right time to be thinking about the grass pollen season to start taking this therapy and front end things so that when the season hits you're protected," Dr. David Lang of the Cleveland Clinic said.

Lang said a newer type of under-the-tongue tablet known as sublingual oral immunotherapy tablets work best when taken about three months before allergy season kicks into high gear.

Like allergy shots, oral tablets help build a tolerance to certain allergens. The goal of the prescription tablet is to reduce allergy symptoms and reduce the need for medications.