Pollen tracker: Monitor Raleigh's pollen count

WRAL's Dr. Allen Mask said many people are already having allergy symptoms.

"Sometimes, it can be different to tell when a patient has a cold or allergy," Mask said. "Typically, with an allergy, you can see itchy eyes, a runny nose and coughing."

In North Carolina, pollen levels peak in early to mid-spring when most native trees such as pines and oaks are flowering.

Mask said pollen count is higher in the mornings and evenings. The following photos are images viewers sent in of pollen last spring.

People sensitive to pollen and allergies can keep their symptoms mild by exercising during the day, changing clothes after pollen exposure and wearing a mask when doing yard work.

WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said the pollen you see with your eyes -- the yellow dust -- is not actually what makes allergy patients feel the worst.

"You will see dusts of clouds of yellow," she said. "But it's the stuff you don't see that actually triggers the sneezing and other things.