NEW YORK — For millions of Americans, the beauty of the great outdoors is overshadowed by the misery of allergies. A recent survey reveals that these invisible adversaries are not only dampening the spirits of allergy sufferers but also keeping them confined to a pollen prison, forcing them to miss out on cherished outdoor activities and time with loved ones.
The poll, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Zyrtec, surveyed 2,000 adults, half of whom have perennial or seasonal allergies. The results show that allergies have prevented 49% of respondents from spending time outdoors within the past year. In fact, 56% say that having allergies or knowing someone who has them has diminished their enjoyment of outdoor events.
Allergy sufferers are not only missing out on the activities they love but also feeling the strain of missed connections. Many express “annoyance” (65%) and “frustration” (47%) when their symptoms prevent them from spending time with loved ones. More than two-thirds (68%) of respondents recall a time in the past year when they or someone they spent time with was distracted by their allergies.
The impact of allergies extends beyond personal discomfort, with 75% of sufferers stating that their symptoms affect their ability to perform at their best, and 61% reporting that allergies hinder their ability to think clearly. Moreover, nearly a third (29%) feel self-conscious about their allergy symptoms, while over half (67%) worry about being less enjoyable for others to be around when their allergies flare up.
Pet owners with allergies face additional challenges, as they may need to limit the time they spend playing outside (38%), going on walks (37%), or even being around their pet (24%). Interestingly, 39% of non-pet-owning allergy sufferers say they would own a pet if they didn’t have allergies.
Non-sufferers are also going the extra mile to ensure comfort for their allergy-affected loved ones. The poll reveals that 43% of non-sufferers carry allergy medication, while 34% maintain a deep-cleaned, allergen-free home. When planning outdoor meetups with friends and family who are affected by allergies, non-sufferers check the pollen and air quality (27%) or choose indoor areas entirely (20%).
“We’re seeing allergy season starting earlier and lasting longer, which means common allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes can make a real impact,” says Dr. Tania Elliott, allergist and Zyrtec partner. “If left untreated, allergies can be a real burden not just on your plans, but they can lead to poor sleep and reduce overall productivity.”
If unburdened by allergies, sufferers would most want to go on more picnics (40%), park days (39%), hikes (32%), nature tours (30%), and visit fairs (26%). Dr. Elliott offers some advice: “There are steps you can take to ensure you don’t miss out and can enjoy outdoor moments this allergy season. Wear hats and sunglasses to keep allergens out of your hair and eyes and be sure to leave your shoes at the front door to avoid tracking allergens into the house. You can also take an oral antihistamine which can start working quickly to provide long-lasting relief from allergies.”
As allergy season continues to lengthen and intensify, it is crucial for both sufferers and non-sufferers to be aware of the impact allergies can have on daily life and relationships. By taking proactive measures and showing understanding and support, we can help ensure that allergies don’t keep us trapped indoors, missing out on the joys of life.
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 1,000 people with seasonal perennial allergies + 1,000 people without seasonal perennial allergies was commissioned by Kenvue, the makers of Zyrtec® between March 4 and March 11, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).