The days of winter weather are almost behind us, but some students may feel they’re suffering from a cold, with watery eyes and a runny nose.

If you’re one of them, you may actually be suffering from allergies.

According to WebMD, allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system to allergens such as mold and pollen.

David Samuelson, senior in computer science, has had allergies since he was 12. After going to an allergist, he found out he was allergic to molds.

Outdoor tasks such as mowing the lawn can trigger a reaction because of the molds present in the grass.

“It feels like you have a head cold,” Samuelson said. “It feels horrible.”

Fortunately, allergy medicines provide a way for Samuelson to combat his bothersome allergies.

Mike Rhodes, pharmacist at Hy-Vee Drugstore, 500 Main St., said both prescription and over-the-counter options are available.

“[Allergy medicine] stabilizes the mast cells which releases the histamine,” Rhodes said.

Histamine is the compound released by the body that causes allergic reactions.

Rhodes said symptoms of allergies include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and a runny nose. These symptoms are much like those of a cold, but Rhodes said if they last longer than two weeks, they are likely caused by allergies.

Generic prescriptions are “equivalent” to their brand-name counterparts, Rhodes said.

Over-the-counter at pharmacies are available “if you don’t want to see a doctor,” he said.

Rhodes said Zyrtec is one of “the most effective overall” medicines, especially for treating seasonal or smoke-related allergies.

Prescription allergy medicines, such as Clarinex and Xyzal, work similarly to Zrytec, Rhodes said.

A month’s supply of over-the-counter allergy medicine can cost from $3 to $10, whereas prescriptions can cost much more.

Some allergy options:

Over-the-counter

medicines

Claritin: the generic

version is Loratadine

Zyrtec: the generic version is Cetirizine

Chlortrimeton: the generic version is

Chlorpheniramine

Benadryl: the generic version is Diphenhydramine

Prescription-only

medicines

Clarinex

Xyzal