Minnesota Ragweed Allergies in Full Bloom

Some allergists say the fall allergy season is already one of the worst in recent memory.

Dr. Julia Montejo says ragweed allergy season is in full bloom in Minnesota and has been for the past week or so.

Dr. Montejo says each ragweed plant can produce up to a billion spores, which can travel up to 400 miles, causing her office to be flooded with patients suffering from runny noses, sneezing and coughing and itchy eyes.

"This has been one of the worst allergy seasons in my experience being here in Minnesota,” said Dr. Montejo.

She says the sunny, nice weather is perfect conditions for producing ragweed pollen.

Dr. Montejo says the best way to protect yourself is to start using over-the-counter anti-histamines like Zyrtec and prescription nasal sprays, before allergy symptoms even begin. She also suggests keeping windows closed and using air-conditioning to stay cool, because it filters out the ragweed pollen before it can cause an allergic reaction.