NEW YORK — Only one in four adults feel truly prepared for seasonal weather changes. That’s according to a panel of 2,000 adults, where only 23 percent claimed they’re “always” ready for whatever the skies might throw at them.
Overall, 38 percent of respondents believe summer is the most difficult season to dress appropriately for. Summer also ranked No. 1 as both the panel’s favorite and least favorite seasons to spend outside (38% and 35%, respectively).
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Tivic Health, the poll revealed that about one-quarter (23%) of respondents cited spring as their favorite time to go outdoors. In fact, the fewest number of respondents called spring their least favorite season (15%).
So, it comes as no surprise that 79 percent look forward to the changing seasons — but not to the potential allergies that come with it. More than two in five (44%) suffer from seasonal allergies and 76 percent would rate those allergies as “severe.”
Seasonal sneezing is getting in the way
Those allergies are impacting people’s daily lives. Almost half the poll (46%) say allergies affect them during something as simple as commuting to work, while 58 percent think sinus and allergy issues often impact their job performance.
While 40 percent keep medications to combat their allergies on hand year-round, 44 percent begin adding to their stockpile several weeks before allergy season begins. Another 30 percent start months in advance. Almost five in 10 (48%) report spending $100 or more on over-the-counter allergy and sinus medication each year.
“I’ve found that a vast majority of patients are not interested in taking more medications – steroids in particular and don’t want to use nasal steroids even when doctors recommend it,” says Dr. Alan Goldsobel, Adjunct Clinical Professor at Stanford University, in a statement.
It turns out that seasonal allergies are giving respondents more trouble than just nasal drip (40%), sinus pain (36%), and headaches (35%.)
One in two people reported finding it difficult to walk their dog. Forty-nine percent say their allergies impact outdoor activities, like hiking or boating. Whether it’s medications or something else, respondents will try an average of five different remedies before giving up and toughing out their allergies.
“Allergy season began early this year and with it came an increase in respiratory allergies caused by early pollination of plants and trees, and the ongoing concerns about Covid,” adds Jennifer Ernst, CEO and co-founder of Tivic Health.
“Working through the pandemic we saw consumers are highly interested in products that help them better manage their health and wellness. It’s important for people to have safe, effective, non-invasive options that are accessible and affordable, so they can relieve sinus pain and congestion from allergies, colds and the flu each year.”