Allergies in the spring are common in many areas of the United States but perhaps no more so than in East Texas. Dr. Paul Sharkey, a pulmonology physician and allergy treatment expert answers questions about treating and coping with seasonal allergies in East Texas.

When does allergy season begin in East Texas? (first question)

Where can we find out what pollens are in the air? (skip to 0:36)

What are the symptoms of springtime allergies? (skip to 0:59)

Is there anything that can be done to prepare for allergy season ahead of time? (skip to 1:19)

What medications are typically prescribed to treat seasonal allergies? (skip to 2:00)

Can allergies be managed with over-the-counter medications? (skip to 2:49)

Are nasal sprays addictive? (skip to 3:31)

Are antihistamines addictive as well? (skip to 4:45)

When does a prescription for allergy medication become necessary? (skip to 4:57)

Do I need allergy shots? (skip to 5:54)

What about sublingual medications – drops under the tongue – how do they work and are they as effective as allergy shots? (skip to 6:50)

Beyond medication, what can be done to manage allergies? (skip to 7:40)

What about home comfort measures such as nasal washes? (skip to 8:22)

Welcome to the new face of Health Connection! For nearly 20 years, the doctors and medical professionals of The U.T. Health Science Center at Tyler have answered your health questions on radio via one minute vignettes on everything from asthma to vitamins.  Now, Health Connection is a video series that is like a one-on-one consultation with members of the medical staff of The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler. We hope you enjoy the new format and we hope you will share the information you find here with your friends and family members.

What is H1N1, sometimes called the “Swine Flu” and how should we deal with it? Dr. Jeffrey Levin is the chair and Professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. He answers questions including:

What is H1N1 and where did it come from? (first question)

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 virus? (skip to 2:00)

Is it true that H1N1 is easier to get and more severe than seasonal flu? (skip to 3:30)

How can you tell if you have H1N1? (skip to 4:53)

Who is at greatest risk of contracting H1N1? (skip to 5:49)

Why do we need to get two flu shots this season? (skip to 7:14) and

What can we do to protect ourselves from getting sick with the H1N1 virus? (skip to 8:20)