Allergy season hits early and hard for many

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — This allergy season is the worst in years, doctors told Channel 9's Kendra Oestreich Friday.

Allergy sufferer Nashad Abass said he is miserable. He said he can't breathe through his nose because of all of the pollen in the air and he has turned to allergy specialists for help.

"(It's) not the best feeling. Allergies are definitely a burden on everyday life," Abass said.

Dr. Jose Arias, with Allergy Asthma Specialists of Central Florida, said oak is one of the culprits causing misery for so many.

Arias said the pollen problem with the trees, which usually peaks in February, started in mid-December.

"This year it came early," Arias said. "On top of that we have some grasses that came out ... so people who normally have problems in the summer are having it a little bit early."

Spring allergies started in the winter and summer allergies started in the spring.

Arias said one extreme solution is a change of climate.

"Usually I tell people with spring allergies to move to Chicago," Arias said.

"I'm not moving to Chicago, so shots it is," said Abass.

That's the route 11-year-old Haley Warrington is taking. She said it will be about a three-year process to build up her tolerance to things she's allergic to, including oak trees, bayberry trees and weeds.

Arias also recommended 24-hour, over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays and eye drops to get through the worst of the allergies.

Right now, the pollen levels in central Florida are extremely high.

Abass says it's worth the temporary pain of shots to be able to breathe so he can get out and do many of the things central Florida has to offer.

"Fishing, beaches, Disney World -- I'll take the shots over allergies any day of the week," said Abass.

WFTV