Watery eyes, runny noses and sneezing can be counted as signs of spring as pollen counts increase and seasonal allergies plague staff and students alike.

Dr. Edward Nassif, from McFarland Clinic, said, “we see 25 percent of patients with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in the spring and 75 percent in the fall.”

In Ames, he said, trees cause the biggest problem in early spring, followed by grasses from May to July. Weeds cause allergies to act up in late summer and early fall and ragweed and fall pollens last until frost comes.

He said molds and dust cause allergy problems year round.

The Council on Family Health has compiled a list of tips for selecting allergy medicines and dealing with allergies.

When perusing the shelves of non-prescription allergy medicines, the council reminds people to select medications that treat only their specific allergy symptoms and to always read the medicine label for correct dosages and possible drug interactions.

Labels also include information about conditions that may make the medication less effective, limitations on product use and possible side effects.

They also recommend consulting doctors or pharmacists with any questions about medications, especially if taking a prescription medicine for another condition.

Never take medications without reading the label carefully to insure correct dosage and schedules.

Also, examine the package and medication for signs of tampering and check expiration dates.

Make sure medications are stored away from children’s reach.

The council also suggests limiting exposure to pollen whenever possible for people who are allergic to it.

When possible, they recommend taking vacations to pollen-free areas during the height of the pollen season.

They suggest avoiding rigorous exercise when pollen levels are high and cleaning hair and clothing frequently to remove pollen that easily clings to those surfaces.

Also, keep windows closed and use air conditioners more frequently, they suggest.

Pollens are emitted mostly between 5 and 10 a.m. It is usually a good idea to minimize outdoor activity at those times.