Allergy season is here and for truck driver’s who have seasonal allergies, well there’s no nice way to put this . . . you’re going to suffer.

Spring pollen is in the air, the cab of your truck, in the trailer; it’s on your clothes and in you hair; by George it’s everywhere! Depending on your sensitivity and your travel route, you may find the symptoms unbearable at times. While there is no cure for this ailment, we do have some tips to help you get through this allergy season breathing a little easier.

Antihistamines may NOT be Your Best Friend

Antihistamines are by far the easiest way to reduce the symptoms that accompany allergies. However, many antihistamines cause drowsiness. Worse yet, some over the counter antihistamines can have the same effect on a person as consuming alcohol. DOT regulations require that drivers do not take any medication which is likely to interfere with the safe performance of their duties. While there is no list of approved medications, in a regulatory sense, there are suggestions and recommendations by the FAA and DOT.

Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) and Entex (Phenylpropanolamine) are approved by the FAA provided they are not combined with an antihistamine. Most other over the counter cold medications such as Benedryl, are NOT approved. Claritin (Loratadine), Clarinex (Desloratadine) and Allegra (Fexofenadine) are acceptable to the FAA provided no negative side effects are experienced.

Only you will know if an allergy medication is affecting your ability to drive. We recommend not trying new medications when you are planning to drive. Instead, take medication when you are shut down for the night, or in for your home time. If you experience any negative side effects from allergy medication, shut down. Safety is the top priority.

If you are crossing the border with any over the counter or prescription medication, please make sure that it is in its original packaging or bottle. Medications in pill boxes or pill organizers are not acceptable.

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Pollens

Now that we delivered the bad news about taking antihistamines, here are some tips that can help reduce your exposure to pollens, mold spores and other irritants and therefore reduce the chances of your allergy symptoms from becoming unbearable.

1. Travel with the windows closed to avoid breathing pollen, mold spores and other irritants.

2. Use a good, clean HEPA filter on your fan unit to reduce the amount of irritants that blow through the vents.

3. Use the air conditioner to help clean and circulate the air in your cab. This will help keep things dry and prevent the growth of mold spores.

4. Every time you go outside, pollen, mold spores and other irritants collect in your clothing and hair and then transfer to the interior of the cab when you get in. Keep the interior of the truck as clean as possible by wiping everything down and vacuuming frequently.

5. Shower before bed to wash off the irritants you’ve collected on your body throughout the day and to avoid transferring them to your bed.

6. Wear sunglasses to reduce allergy irritants from causing watery, itchy eyes.

7. While unloading, or sweeping out the trailer wear a mask to reduce the amount of irritants you are breathing in.

Unfortunately, truck drivers with seasonal allergies have to suffer more than most. We hope that the above tips give you some relief this allergy season. Remember that your safety and the safety of others on the roads take priority. If you’re allergies, or the medication you are taking prevent you from driving safely, please shut down.

Image courtesy of stockimages at freedigitalphotos.net