How much do you hate pollen? 31% of people would take pay cut just to be allergy-free!

NEW YORK — Nearly a third (31%) of people would take a pay cut for a year to be allergy-free, new research suggests. A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with allergies discovered other favorite things people would be willing to part with for a year to be rid of their allergy symptoms, including cake (39%), chocolate (39%), video games (39%), coffee (38%) and social media (36%).

Despite the warmer weather and return of green pastures, about two in five (39%) people admit they dread the spring season because of their allergies.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Flonase, results also show that people consider allergy symptoms to be the most frustrating part of springtime (54%), compared to spring cleaning (44%), mosquitoes (41%), and even filing taxes (38%).  

Allergies ruin plans

In fact, 58 percent reported their springtime plans are “always” or “often” interrupted by allergy symptoms. Activities people avoid doing when experiencing allergies? Outdoor exercise (39%), lawn mowing or yard work (39%), swimming (38%) and playing outdoor sports (37%).

People have even had to cancel plans completely because allergies got in the way, such as get-togethers with friends (37%), birthday parties (36%), road trips (36%) and weddings (33%) and even job interviews (33%). 

Man blowing his nose, sneezing outside from seasonal allergies
Many people can’t stand spring because their allergies are so miserable. (© Dragana Gordic – stock.adobe.com)

In fact, the average person postpones or cancels 4.5 events a season due to seasonal allergies.

Additionally, allergies can stand in the way of blossoming spring romances, as 39 percent of respondents reported going on fewer dates during this season.

Most annoying allergies

The most frustrating symptom to deal with? A runny nose (27%), more so than a sore throat (19%), rashes (19%) or fatigue (18%).

Forty-one percent admit they feel more self-conscious when their allergies begin. That may be why 40 percent excuse themselves from a social situation after just two allergy symptoms occur.

“Our research shows that allergies can have an emotional toll on people’s lives,” says brand director for Flonase Tish Tillie, in a statement. “When asked to measure their happiness levels before, during and after experiencing allergy symptoms, 31 percent reported being ‘very happy’ before their allergies kicked in, but this dipped to just 18 percent when their allergy symptoms hit.”

To relieve their symptoms, over half (52%) have tried allergy medication, and more than two in five have also tried honey, herbal remedies, and essential oils (41% each).

Some have even attempted DIY solutions such as “inhaling garlic,” a “neti pot,” an “essential oil diffuser” and “using a homemade nasal rinse.”

“Allergy symptoms, including their severity, vary from person to person, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes and treatments that may be right for you,” adds Tillie. “Additionally, journaling, meditating, and scheduling time for self-care are all good examples of how to cope with the emotional impact of suffering from allergies. 

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans with allergies was commissioned by Flonase between Feb. 24 and March 1, 2023. 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).

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About the Author

Sophia Naughton

Meet StudyFinds’ Associate Editor, Sophia Naughton. Sophia graduated Magna Cum Laude from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication directly focused in journalism and advertising. She is also a freelance writer for Baltimore Magazine. Outside of writing, her best buddy is her spotted Pit Bull, Terrance.

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