By Marie Haaland // SWNS Staff
NEWS COPY W/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC
The pandemic created another reason to hate allergy season: Seven in 10 people are concerned their coughs and sneezes will be confused with COVID-19 symptoms.
That’s from a recent study of 2,000 Americans with seasonal allergies, which delved into their most and least enjoyed season.
The data comes as we approach the peak of fall, which 81% said was an enjoyable season. This was second only to spring, at 82%.
Four in 10 respondents said winter is their least favorite season — with cold temperatures (84%), snowy weather (54%) and being stuck indoors (46%) listed as the top reasons why.
On the opposite end of the weather spectrum, one in four deemed summer to be their least favorite season, thanks to the heat (72%), humidity (60%) and bugs (50%).
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Nasacort, the survey revealed respondents can tolerate their least favorite season for a little over four weeks before getting sick of it.
And when it comes to their favorite season, results found people have a strong connection to the outdoors — which is likely even more true as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
Nearly three-quarters (73%) said their seasonal preference is tied to how much time they can spend outside. More than that, 74% reported looking forward to spending time outside more this year than in a typical year, due to being cooped up indoors.
But for some, it can be difficult to enjoy the outdoors. Of respondents who chose spring as their least favorite season (16%), more than six in 10 (64%) said one reason was their allergies.
Twenty-eight percent also said their least favorite season changed as they got older, and one in 10 attributed this to their allergies worsening over time.
“As people enjoy different seasons for different reasons, nobody should be prevented from indulging in their favorite time of year,” said a Nasacort spokesperson. “Though spring is usually thought to be the ‘worst nightmare’ for those with allergies, it's evident that people don't want to let their allergies get in the way of enjoying the season’s pleasures.”
More than half of respondents (55%) said their allergies get bad to the point where it interrupts their daily life during specific seasons, and nearly four in five (79%) who chose spring as their least favorite season echo this sentiment.
Additionally, 74% of those who chose spring as their least favorite season often break social engagements because of their allergies flaring up, and 64% of those spend time worrying about this possibility.
A proactive approach to dealing with allergies is key for many; nearly three in five grab their allergy medication less than a week into their typical allergy season (59%).
“Nobody should have to endure the discomfort of allergies to the point where it interrupts everyday life,” added the spokesperson. “Incidences of allergies have been higher throughout the past few months than they were at the same time last year, and we expect that to continue through the end of the year. Staying on top of seasonal allergies is possible now more than ever, and finding the right product, such as an effective nasal spray, may be key for seasonal enjoyment moving forward.”
AMERICANS’ LEAST FAVORITE SEASONS
- Winter (40%)
- Summer (25%)
- Spring (16%)
- Fall (5%)
ENDS
