A feature article on WEBMD.com gives a survival guide for beating pollen this spring. I found these tips for preventing pollen in your own home especially useful.

Shut it. Close the windows at home and in your car.

Air it. If you need to cool down, run the air conditioning instead of opening the windows. Also, put the air on "recirculate" so you're not bringing in outside air filled with pollen.

Case it. Put pillows, box springs, and mattresses in cases that keep dust mites out.

Wash it. Throw sheets, comforters, blankets, curtains, and washable stuffed animals regularly into the washing machine, set to the hottest water temperature the material can handle.

Dry it. Use the clothes dryer. Dust mites can't take the heat.

Clean it. Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean and dry. If you use a humidifier, clean it regularly so it doesn't become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

Freeze it. If your kids have dust mite allergies and their toys can't be washed, put the toys in the freezer for 48 hours every two weeks. Freezing temperatures will kill the dust mites, Duke University's Williams says.

Expose it. To further reduce dust mites, consider replacing your carpeting with hard flooring and getting rid of upholstered furniture.

Ask about it. Ask your doctor if your allergies are linked to your pet, and what to do about it.

Store it. In the basement or attic, put away collectibles and clothes in plastic storage bags and run a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth.

Visit the following link for the full article:
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/plagued-by-pollen