Help beat your seasonal allergies with Claritin.

CLARITIN contains an antihistamine - a type of medicine that blocks the action of histamine, a natural substance in your body that is released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is a response by your body's immune system to something that is generally harmless. When you come into contact with these ordinarily harmless substances - pet dander, pollen, dust, and mold - the immune system overreacts. People who have this reaction have "allergies".

Can you outgrow your allergies?

Allergies, for most people, are grown into not out of. While some people can become less sensitive to certain substances simply by avoiding them, it is nearly impossible to avoid exposure to certain pollens, molds, and dust.

Are they allergies or a cold?

Even though colds and allergies may seem the same, symptoms of seasonal allergies usually last longer than that of a cold - usually 7 to 10 days. If your mucous is runny and clear, sneezes occur in rapid succession, eyes, ears, and mouth are itchy, and you are not noticing any fever or muscle ache...you probably have an allergy.

Some simple guidelines to help with your allergies:

• Start taking CLARITIN as soon as symptoms start. Keep it close at hand, you never know when an allergic reaction may happen.
• Know your foe. Understanding what sets off your allergy symptoms will help you decide how to avoid it.
• Beat the clock. Peak pollen production occurs between 5 AM and 10 AM , so try to plan outside activities at other times of the day.
• Check the daily forecast. Try to avoid the outdoors when counts are high. After heavy rains pollen has been washed from the air, making post-shower outings more comfortable. Watch out for dry, windy days when pollen can be particularly intense.
• Always use as directed. Be militant about taking medications according to the directions on the package. Dedication to correct times and dosages is crucial to your treatment plan's success.
• Mask your symptoms. Sure it may not look pretty, but giving yourself some relief by wearing an inexpensive painter's mask when you're working in the garden will be a blessing in disguise.
• A quick change will do you good. Pollen that may have been collected on your hair or clothes can be taken care of with a fast shower and changing your outfit.
• Be wise when it comes to washing. Removing pollen can be done nightly by showering and washing your hair. Don't line-dry clothes outside.
• Keep the air clear. While driving, roll the windows up and set the air conditioner on recirculate. At home, keep windows closed. Use air-conditioning and change filters often.

CLARITIN is an over-the-counter medication, making it easier for you and your family to beat those nasty seasonal allergies.