'Cedar Fever' survival guide: the next best thing to eradication

One possible solution.

Mold allergies have been bad enough to us during this unusual El Niño year.

But Cedar gets the prize for 2016. Cedar pollen (actually, and to be fair to true Cedar trees, Ashe Juniper pollen -- that's Juniperus ashei) hit the second-highest level on record today -- 21,952 grains per cubic meter.

Because Austin exists in a geographic "bowl," the pollen tends to linger around longer than it does elsewhere. And the humidity makes it stick. That bestows upon us a badge of honor as one of the Allergy Capitals of the United States.

The cedar pollen intensity this time of year affects even those who normally do not suffer from allergies. Workplaces report higher numbers of call-outs for cold-like symptoms.

False alarms are raised when "smoke" is seen coming from areas dense with cedar trees -- only for the firefighters to discover it's only the brownish dust from pollen entering the air on a dry, windy day otherwise prone to brush fires.

The trees, as beautiful and beloved as they are around Christmastime, are more than just a health hazard according to some. Even Rep. Paul Workman (R-Austin) authored a bill to loosen tree ordinances on certain species that present themselves as fire hazards, such as the Ashe Juniper. Here's how to get rid of them yourself if you're so inclined.

To fight our annual bout of "Cedar Fever" this writer would like to offer his advice as a lifelong allergy sufferer. See if you benefit from these tips, and if you have your own remedies please feel free to add them to the comments below.

• Stay up on medicine -- Whatever does the trick for you, take it early and often until the pollen count drops. In my case, I've got to find the older pseudoephedrine-based antihistamines behind the counter, but it's always worth the quest -- even if the pharmacist thinks you're manufacturing illegal drugs! You can keep an eye on conditions via the National Allergy Bureau's website.
• Wash, rinse, repeat -- Keep your hands and forearms washed. And though you might feel like a water hog or a vain person for taking multiple showers during a single day, you have every right to hop in the tub during peak allergy season when you can. Never underestimate how the pollen you collect in your skin and hair during the day can "dust up" at random times and inflict misery when you least expect it. Turn the water up as hot as you can handle it to generate some steam.
• Try a hot wash cloth over the nose -- No time for a shower? Loosen up some of that mucous with steam from a hot wash rag. It may also help arrest some of the particles already doing its dirty work on receptors in your nose.
• Try a nasal rinse to keep sinuses clear -- I recommend NeilMed's sinus relief bottle method, though I've never had to use the entire bottle!  A little will do just fine as long as its saline-based and fresh water is used.
• Diet and exercise -- Green vegetables, antioxidants, probiotics, and even the spiciest salsa you can handle do wonders for the immune system during allergic reactions. Experiment a little. (Sidenote: Some swear by locally harvested honey as a remedy, but I think this is more of a long-term strategy as it introduces local pollen to the body and prepares it for the inevitable, seasonal onslaughts. And in the case of cedar trees, that's not the kind of pollen bees carry.)
• Mask it -- If you're not particularly fashion-conscious, consider wearing a dust mask. They come cheap at hardware stores and can really help if you're out doing errands, particularly lawn work.
• Suck it up -- Make sure the HEPA filter on your A/C inlet is new (and don't skimp on a cheap filter) and be sure to vacuum regularly.
• Stay inside as much as you can -- This may go without saying, but we central Texans tend to live outside half the time. Keep an eye on pets and make sure a doggie door doesn't become a portal for cedar pollen.
• Tough it out -- We've all been there before. This knowledge may not take away the burning, throbbing pain you currently feel, but it sure makes it easier to cope with. We're all sneezing and coughing along with ya!