This Pollen Video Shows Why You Feel Like Sh*t This Spring

There’s a “pollen explosion” happening right now, and it’s pretty much the worst

Are your eyes currently watering? Is your nose a constant stream of snot? Do you have approximately 1,000 crumpled tissues sitting on your nightstand? Don’t worry, you’re definitely, definitely not alone. The Today Show reported that there’s a “pollen explosion” hitting the United States, which explains why most of us are feeling pretty miserable right about now. Oh yeah, and there’s also a fairly chilling video to prove it.

You can track this unfortunate explosion down to oak, maple, and birch trees, which are currently producing an enormous influx of pollen. There’s also a massive amount of pollen coming out of poplar, alder and ash trees. If you want proof, just look at this video captured on Facebook of these trees in action. There’s literally a cloud of nasty irritants.

So, why is this pollen plague hitting the United States? According to some scientists, climate change is to blame.

“Climate change, globalization, air pollution, and over-sanitization of the environment in the early years of life are just a few of the causes that, taken together, have introduced new allergens into our environment are causing needless suffering,” Dr. Clifford Bassett, medical director of Allergy & Asthma Care of New York, told The Today Show.

Also, it turns out that — because of climate change – we can expect these seasonal attacks to go on for longer than usual.

“Some research has suggested that the warming trend that we have in our environment is causing the pollen seasons to start a little bit earlier, and extend a little bit longer,” Dr. Stanley Fineman, former president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, noted. “Consequently, patients are suffering because they’re exposed to pollen, for longer periods of time.”

I never thought I’d say this, but can it just be winter all over again?

Before you give up entirely and bury yourself under a wad of your used tissues, there are some quick remedies for this situation. The Mayo Clinic recommends taking oral antihistamines like Claritin, Alavert, and Zyrtec Allergy to stop your sneezing/watery eye problem. Or, try an oral decongestant like Sudafed and Afrinol to relieve all that stuffiness. Also, remember that nasal sprays are your friend.

Stay safe out there. We’ll all be blowing our noses in solidarity with you.