Overview
- Recent gusty northerly fronts have blown mountain cedar pollen from the Hill Country into the city, marking the first seasonal spikes.
- The cedar season typically runs December through February in South Central Texas, with pollination triggered by cold conditions.
- Common reactions include sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, itchy throat, fatigue and facial flushing that give “cedar fever” its name.
- Experts recommend limiting time outside on high-pollen days, showering and changing clothes after exposure, upgrading HVAC filters, and wiping down items and pets that bring pollen indoors.
- An allergist says long-term relief may come from immunotherapy via shots or drops, while overall severity this winter remains hard to predict after recent milder seasons.