Cedar Fever may sound like a virus, but it’s really a seasonal allergy that happens in the winter. Cedar fever is an allergic reaction to the pollen from mountain cedar and juniper trees. Symptoms emerge when the body starts fighting the pollen as an invader.
Why Does Cedar Fever Happen in The Winter?
Cedar fever happens when there are high amounts of pollen in the air. Mountain cedar and juniper trees usually pollinate right after a cold front when the air is drier and air pressure shifts. The pollen gets picked up by the wind and blown around. The wind can carry pollen very far and affect anyone living where it lands.
Symptoms of Cedar Fever
Symptoms include:
- stuffy nose
- itchy and watery eyes
- coughing
- sore throat
- runny nose
- sneezing
- mild or low fever
- some loss of smell or taste
- fatigue
It can be difficult to determine if you have a cold, flu or cedar fever because the symptoms are similar.
See Your Provider and Make a Plan
If you start having symptoms, talk to your provider. They may do a skin test, which involves putting a small amount of allergens on your arm or back to see if you have a reaction.
Based on your symptoms and the results of your test, your doctor may suggest medication, including:
- antihistamines – to block histamine and reduce symptoms
- decongestants – to clear your nose
- corticosteroid nasal sprays – to reduce inflammation in your nose
- leukotriene – to reduce inflammation
- corticosteroid inhalers – often prescribed to treat asthma caused by allergens
- oral corticosteroids – for treating more serious symptoms
- allergy shots – for severe allergies that aren't responding well to other treatments
Ways To Reduce Symptoms
Try these tips to keep your cedar fever symptoms at bay:
- Keep windows closed in your car and home to keep pollen out.
- Dry clothes, sheets and towels in a dryer rather than outside, where they can collect pollen.
- Wipe your pet's fur down and keep them clean. Pollen can land and stick to their fur.
- Clean your home to remove pollen particles.
- Check pollen levels and weather forecasts so you're prepared for conditions that could worsen your symptoms.
- Make sure to regularly replace air filters in your home and car.
Resources for TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
Wellness Coaching
Work one-on-one with a registered nurse to help manage your allergies. They're available to you at no cost through your TRS health plan's Wellness Coaching program.
Well onTarget®
Well onTarget®offers self-management programs, tips and resources to help you manage allergies. Access videos, podcasts, 12-week programs and other toolsanytime, day or night.
Personal Health Guides
A Personal Health Guide can help you with your wellness needs, find a provider, make an appointment, get claims information, do cost comparisons, and more. Talk to a PHG 24/7. Call 1-866-355-5999 or chat in the BCBSTX App.
Resources for TRS-Care Medicare Advantage
Find a Provider
Find a doctor to help diagnose and treat seasonal allergies.