Spring in Vermont means mud, fresh air… and unfortunately, allergies and ticks are back too. Runny noses and itchy eyes can feel just as annoying as a cold — and they tend to linger longer. Ticks are small and sneaky, so daily checks after time outside are now part of the routine.
Allergy Basics
Allergies can look like a cold:
● Runny or stuffy nose
● Itchy nose/eyes
● Sneezing
● Sometimes headaches or fatigue
They can definitely interfere with school, sleep, and fun — but the good news is they’re manageable.
What helps:
● Antihistamines (like Claritin or Zyrtec) and nasal sprays (like Flonase or Nasonex): safe, effective, and great for sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes/skin
● Allergy eye drops (like Pataday or Zaditor): helpful if eye symptoms stick around despite antihistamines
● Skip Benadryl for seasonal allergies — it can make kids too sleepy
● Quick rinse-off: a shower or bath at the end of the day helps wash off pollen
As always, check with your child’s healthcare provider before starting new medications.
Tick Check Time
Ticks are out and about, so it’s worth building a quick daily check into your routine.
Prevention tips:
Light-colored clothing (easier to spot ticks)
● Long sleeves, pants and closed shoes
● Tuck pants into socks for extra protection
● Tie back long hair or wear a hat
● Stick to trails — avoid tall grass and brush
● Use insect repellent (10–30% DEET)
● Consider permethrin-treated clothing
Daily checks (don’t skip these!):
Look behind ears, under arms, behind knees, in the groin, and along the scalp. Also check pets and gear.
Found a Tick? Don’t Panic.
The risk of Lyme disease is low, especially if the tick is removed early.
What to do:
1. Use tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin
2. Pull straight out (no twisting)
3. Wash with soap and water
4. Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment for a few days — mild redness around the bite is common and usually a reaction to the tick’s saliva. Avoid home remedies like petroleum jelly or heat — they don’t help and can make things worse.
When to Call the Pediatrician
Reach out if your child develops:
● A red, expanding rash
● Flu-like symptoms
● Joint pain or swelling
● Facial weakness, inability to move parts of the face
These symptoms can have different causes — but if it is Lyme disease, treatment works very well.
Enjoy the fresh air (and the mud!) — because Vermont spring means muddy boots, sniffly noses, and tick checks.
— Monica Benjamin is a nurse practitioner at Porter Pediatrics in Middlebury.
Do you have a story to share about life with young kids in Addison County? We’d love to hear from you! Email [email protected].