Spring in Brooklyn and Queens should mean cherry blossoms in Prospect Park, outdoor brunch in Williamsburg, and walks along the Jamaica Bay waterfront. But for millions of New Yorkers, it means something else entirely: itchy eyes, endless sneezing, congestion, and fatigue that makes every beautiful day feel like a battle.
If you’re dreading another allergy season, you’re not alone. According to the CDC, more than 25% of U.S. adults suffer from seasonal allergies—and that number is rising. In New York City, the combination of dense tree populations, urban air pollution, and the “urban canyon” effect (where tall buildings trap pollen at street level) creates one of the most challenging allergy environments in the country.
At AG Care, we see hundreds of patients each spring struggling with allergy symptoms that disrupt their work, sleep, and quality of life. The good news? You don’t have to suffer through it. Understanding your allergies—and getting the right treatment—can transform your spring from miserable to manageable.
When Does Allergy Season Start in Brooklyn and Queens?
New York City allergy season typically begins in late February or early March and can last through October. But the intensity varies throughout the year depending on what’s in the air.
NYC Allergy Calendar
- March – May (Tree Pollen): Oak, birch, maple, elm, and sycamore release heavy pollen loads. This is typically the most intense period for Brooklyn and Queens residents. Peak misery occurs in April and May.
- May – July (Grass Pollen): Timothy grass, bluegrass, and Bermuda grass take over. Late April through May sees overlap with tree pollen, making it especially brutal.
- August – October (Weed Pollen): Ragweed dominates, with September being the worst month. Ragweed pollen can travel hundreds of miles on the wind.
- Year-Round (Indoor Allergens): Dust mites, mold, cockroach allergens, and pet dander are constant concerns in NYC apartments.
Right now (March 2026), tree pollen season is starting in Brooklyn and Queens. If you’re already feeling symptoms, you’re not imagining it—and it’s only going to intensify through April and May.
Common Spring Allergy Symptoms
Seasonal allergies (also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever) occur when your immune system overreacts to harmless airborne particles like pollen. Your body releases histamine, triggering a cascade of uncomfortable symptoms.
Typical Allergy Symptoms Include:
- Sneezing (often in rapid bursts)
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Itchy throat, ears, or roof of mouth
- Postnasal drip
- Coughing (especially at night)
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Headaches and sinus pressure
- Dark circles under eyes (“allergic shiners”)
For many people, allergies also trigger or worsen asthma symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. NYC Department of Health data shows that asthma-related emergency department visits spike in April and May during peak tree pollen season.
Is It Allergies, a Cold, or Something Else?
One of the most common questions we hear at AG Care is: “How do I know if it’s allergies or a cold?” The symptoms can look remarkably similar, but there are key differences.
Allergies vs. Cold: Quick Comparison
| Symptom | Allergies | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Immediate after exposure | Gradual over 1-3 days |
| Duration | Weeks to months (as long as exposure continues) | 7-10 days |
| Itchy eyes/nose/throat | Very common | Rare |
| Fever | Never | Sometimes |
| Body aches | Never | Common |
| Nasal discharge | Clear and watery | Thick, yellow/green (later stages) |
| Time of year | Predictable seasonal pattern | Any time, but peaks in winter |
| Response to antihistamines | Symptoms improve | Little to no effect |
Key insight: If your symptoms last longer than 10 days, come back at the same time every year, or improve when you take antihistamines, you’re likely dealing with allergies—not a cold.
Still not sure? Read our complete guide: Flu vs. Cold vs. COVID: Know the Difference
What Triggers Allergies in Brooklyn and Queens?
Understanding your specific triggers is the first step toward effective treatment. In the Brooklyn and Queens area, the most common outdoor allergens include:
Tree Pollen (March – May)
- Oak – The dominant tree allergen across all five NYC boroughs. Heavy pollen producer from April through May.
- Birch – Abundant in Central Park, Prospect Park, and residential neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn. Highly allergenic.
- Maple – Common throughout Queens and Brooklyn. Releases pollen early in the season.
- Elm and Sycamore – Found along many Brooklyn and Queens streets.
Grass Pollen (May – July)
- Timothy grass
- Bermuda grass
- Bluegrass (Kentucky bluegrass)
- Ryegrass
Weed Pollen (August – October)
- Ragweed – The biggest fall allergy trigger. A single plant can release one billion pollen grains per season.
- Pigweed
- Sagebrush
- Lamb’s quarters
Year-Round Indoor Allergens
- Dust mites – Thrive in NYC’s humid summers and heated winters
- Mold – Common in older Brooklyn and Queens buildings, basements, and bathrooms
- Cockroach allergens – A significant trigger in urban apartments
- Pet dander – The most common allergen in New York overall
Why Are Allergies Getting Worse?
If it feels like your allergies are more severe than they used to be, you’re not imagining it. Climate change is making allergy seasons longer and more intense.
- Longer pollen seasons: Research published in The Lancet found that pollen seasons in North America have increased by approximately 20 days since 1990.
- Higher pollen counts: Warmer temperatures and increased CO2 levels cause plants to produce more pollen.
- Earlier start: Spring is arriving earlier, which means tree pollen season starts sooner.
- Urban heat island effect: NYC is warmer than surrounding areas, accelerating plant growth and extending local pollen seasons.
The bottom line: allergies aren’t going away, and they may continue to worsen. Proactive management is more important than ever.
How to Manage Spring Allergies: 7 Evidence-Based Strategies
1. Monitor Pollen Counts
Check daily pollen forecasts and plan accordingly. On high-pollen days (typically warm, dry, windy mornings), limit outdoor time or go out in the evening when counts tend to be lower.
Resources:
- Pollen.com – Daily forecasts and 5-day outlooks
- National Allergy Bureau – Certified pollen counting stations
2. Reduce Exposure
- Keep windows closed during peak pollen season—use air conditioning instead
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
- Use a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes
- Avoid drying clothes outside during pollen season
- Consider wearing a mask (N95 or KN95) when doing yard work or during high-pollen days
3. Start Medications Early
Don’t wait until you’re miserable. Starting allergy medications 1-2 weeks before your symptoms typically begin is far more effective than trying to catch up once you’re already suffering.
Over-the-counter options include:
- Antihistamines: Cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra). Non-drowsy formulas are available.
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays: Fluticasone (Flonase), triamcinolone (Nasacort). These are among the most effective allergy treatments available.
- Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) for short-term relief. Don’t use for more than 3 days.
- Antihistamine eye drops: Ketotifen (Zaditor) for itchy, watery eyes.
4. Try Nasal Saline Rinses
Saline irrigation (using a neti pot or squeeze bottle) physically flushes pollen and mucus from your nasal passages. Research shows it can significantly reduce symptoms when used regularly during allergy season.
5. Consider Prescription Options
If over-the-counter medications aren’t providing relief, prescription options are available:
- Stronger nasal corticosteroids
- Antihistamine nasal sprays (azelastine)
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast)
- Combination medications
The providers at AG Care’s allergy clinics can evaluate your symptoms and prescribe the right treatment plan.
6. Get Tested
If you’ve been managing allergies for years without knowing exactly what you’re allergic to, allergy testing can be a game-changer. Knowing your specific triggers allows you to:
- Avoid allergens more effectively
- Time your medications precisely
- Consider immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) for long-term relief
AG Care offers comprehensive 72-panel skin prick testing at all our Brooklyn and Queens locations. Results are available in about 15 minutes.
7. Explore Immunotherapy for Long-Term Relief
Unlike medications that only treat symptoms, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops) retrains your immune system to stop overreacting to allergens. It’s the closest thing to a cure for allergies.
Immunotherapy is especially worth considering if:
- Your symptoms are severe or poorly controlled with medications
- You have multiple allergens
- Allergies are triggering asthma
- You want long-term relief, not just seasonal band-aids
Talk to an AG Care allergist about whether immunotherapy is right for you.
When to See a Doctor for Allergies
Most seasonal allergies can be managed with over-the-counter treatments. But you should see a healthcare provider if:
- Over-the-counter medications aren’t providing adequate relief
- Your symptoms are interfering with work, sleep, or daily activities
- You’re experiencing asthma symptoms (wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness)
- You have sinus pain or pressure that doesn’t improve, or thick yellow/green nasal discharge (possible sinus infection)
- You’re not sure if your symptoms are allergies or something else
- You want to identify your specific triggers through allergy testing
- You’re interested in long-term solutions like immunotherapy
Allergy Treatment at AG Care
At AG Care, we provide comprehensive allergy care for adults and children at all our Brooklyn and Queens locations:
- Allergy testing – 72-panel skin prick testing with results in about 15 minutes
- Prescription medications – When OTC options aren’t enough
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy) – Long-term treatment to reduce your sensitivity
- Asthma evaluation and treatment – Including nebulizer treatments for acute flare-ups
- Sinus infection treatment – When allergies lead to bacterial infections
- Telehealth consultations – Get advice and prescriptions from home via the WeHealth app
No appointment necessary. Walk in to any AG Care location or check in online to save your spot.
AG Care Locations in Brooklyn and Queens
We have five convenient locations ready to help you this allergy season:
- Bushwick – 1295 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221
- Brownsville – 9525 Church Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11212
- Flatbush Junction – 1576 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210
- Canarsie – 1269 Utica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203
- Jamaica, Queens – 168-14 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432
Get Ahead of Allergy Season
Don’t wait until you’re miserable to take action. If you know spring allergies are coming, start your prevention plan now:
- Schedule allergy testing to identify your specific triggers
- Start medications early – 1-2 weeks before symptoms typically begin
- Implement environmental controls at home (HEPA filters, closed windows, regular cleaning)
- Talk to an allergist about whether immunotherapy is right for you
Ready to take control of your allergies?
Call us at 877.471.9091 or check in online to visit any of our Brooklyn and Queens locations. Walk-ins are always welcome.
This is Part 1 of our Allergies & Respiratory Health Series. Coming next: How to tell the difference between allergies, colds, flu, and COVID—and when to get tested.
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