In most parts of the country, pollen is an invisible substance that can have an adverse affect on a person’s sinuses. It’s known to cause the occasional sneeze, some minor eye irritation and maybe even a runny nose.

But in eastern North Carolina, when the temperature hits the 70s, the plants release their spores, raining down a light, sometimes thick coating of yellow on everything from windowsills to cars.

In Beaufort County, that yearly occurrence happened on Tuesday morning, triggering more than just a runny nose for allergy sufferers. On top of grass, tilled fields and the seemingly endless temperature fluctuation, now pollen is taking a swing at immune systems.

Symptoms for allergic reactions to pollen range from coughing, itchy and watery eyes, a sore throat and even a stomachache. For those severely allergic, it can render a person useless for an extended period of time, unless properly treated.

According to Pollen.com, a site that monitors everything from pollen intensity to remedies, today’s pollen forecast for Washington is a 10.9 on a 12-point scale. Tomorrow’s count is a robust 11.5, meaning more yellow and worsened symptoms.

Pollen allergies are, for the most part, incurable, but can treated with a variety of over-the-counter remedies.

The website recommends you “known when your allergens will be at its peak and avoid going out during those times.” For many, that peak is this week.

To relieve congestion brought on by pollen, nasal steroids, usually in a spray, is the No. 1 option. While many doctors recommend usage prior to allergy season, continued use should slowly ease symptoms.

If the thought of sticking something up your nose grosses you out, go with over-the-counter antihistamines like Zyrtec or Clarinex. Taken every day, these options are pretty reliable in fighting off pollen.

The next two days will be some of the worst of the year for allergy sufferers, so while it may be difficult, fight of the temptation of the nice weather (for now) and stay indoors.