Dr. Henry Fishman Breaks Down Fall Allergies in 7 News Interview
Allergy | November 26, 2025
As the DMV region heads into cooler weather, fall allergies begin to rise and many people wonder whether their symptoms are from a cold or seasonal allergens. During an interview with 7 News, Henry Fishman, MD, of Florida Allergy & Asthma Associates Center, offered clarity, practical tips, and expert insight into the most common fall allergies and how to manage them effectively.
What Causes Fall Allergies?
The interview opened with a simple question: “What allergy triggers are popular right now as we head into fall?”
Dr. Fishman explained that several factors converge to make fall a difficult season for allergy sufferers.
“August to November is ragweed season,” he said. “Ragweed is a plant that grows everywhere in the countryside and along the sides of roads. It releases pollen that gets into us. Our immune system interacts with it and we get itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and sneezing.”
He continued by explaining how fall allergens stack up:
- Ragweed pollen from late summer through November
- Mold once leaves fall and decay
- Dust mites and cockroach particles as heating systems turn on in late fall
This creates a steady sequence of triggers, which explains why allergies in fall often last longer than people expect.
Fall Allergy Symptoms You Should Watch For
The interviewer noted that people often don’t even see ragweed but definitely feel it.
Dr. Fishman confirmed what many experience each year.
“Ragweed causes itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose, and sneezing. It can trigger sinus headaches or sinus infections. It can trigger asthma. So it can make you pretty miserable.”
These are some of the most common fall allergy symptoms, especially among adults. He also reminded viewers that fall allergies can run in families and may last anywhere from weeks to months, depending on exposure.
At-Home Remedies for Reducing Fall Sneezes
The interviewer shared her own attempts at managing symptoms, including showering and rotating medications. Dr. Fishman agreed and offered additional advice:
- Keep windows closed to prevent ragweed pollen from entering your home
- Maintain indoor humidity around 50 percent
- Shower and change clothing after outdoor activities
- Jog or exercise later in the day when pollen counts are lower
- Wash pets like dogs weekly to remove pollen and mold spores
He also shared a lesser-known tip:
“Ragweed cross-reacts with bananas, cucumbers, zucchini, and watermelon. If you eat those foods during ragweed season, you are more likely to have trouble.”
This phenomenon, known as oral allergy syndrome, explains why some people experience mouth or throat tingling after eating certain fruits during fall.
Fall Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference
The interviewer admitted: “Sometimes when I sniff around with my symptoms, I’m not sure if it’s a cold or allergies.”
Dr. Fishman broke it down clearly:
- Colds are short lived, about a week or ten days
- Colds often come with muscle aches, sweats, and chills
- Allergies last longer, are recurring, and usually cause sneezing, itching, watery eyes
- Allergies tend to return year after year
- Testing is the most reliable way to know for sure
“If you are not sure, the best way to tell is to get tested by an allergist,” he said.
You can learn more about allergy evaluation here:
Allergy Testing →
What to Expect from Allergy Testing at Florida Allergy & Asthma Associates Center
The interview touched on how simple and accurate allergy testing can be.
Dr. Fishman described it warmly and with humor:
“You come in and check in. We give you a nice greeting and a cup of coffee. And if you want to, a little champagne. Then we skin test them. Put a little drop on and scratch it under your arm or back. If you react in your skin, you are going to react in your eyes, nose, and sinuses.”
Skin testing mimics what happens naturally when allergens interact with your immune system. That accuracy helps guide personalized treatment plans.
Four Proven Strategies for Managing Fall Allergies
Once results are in, patients can choose from four main treatment approaches:
- Do nothing – but symptoms will likely continue
- Use medications
- Ragweed tablets (SLIT therapy)
- Must be taken for six months
- Only treats ragweed, not other seasonal allergies
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
Dr. Fishman also highlighted that Florida Allergy & Asthma Associates Center offers rush and cluster immunotherapy, which speeds up the buildup process dramatically.
“It builds up in just four weeks. Classic therapy takes six or seven months. But shots really work. They help people with sinus trouble, asthma, and those who are shot failures from other practices.”
Ragweed and Food Cross-Reactions: What You Should Know
The interview wrapped with an important educational point.
“The proteins in ragweed are nearly identical to proteins in some foods,” Dr. Fishman explained. “People who are ragweed-allergic sometimes get tingling or throat discomfort after eating these foods.”
Cross-reactive foods include:
- Bananas
- Zucchini
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Watermelon
Avoiding these during peak ragweed season can reduce uncomfortable reactions.
Key Takeaway
Dr. Fishman’s interview provided a complete overview of fall allergies, what triggers them, how symptoms appear, and when to seek help.
Most importantly, he reminded viewers:
“If you are suffering from any allergy or asthma symptoms, don’t wait. Call right now. We’re here to help.”
If ragweed, mold, dust mites, or other fall allergens are affecting your life, schedule your evaluation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What triggers allergies in the fall?
Fall allergies are triggered by ragweed pollen, mold from fallen leaves, and indoor allergens such as dust mites and cockroach particles when heating systems start. These irritants often overlap, creating an extended fall allergy season.
2. When is ragweed season and how long does it last?
Ragweed pollen typically peaks from August through November. Weather and regional climate influence how long it lasts, so ragweed season may end earlier or extend into December in some areas.
3. What are common fall allergy symptoms?
Common fall allergy symptoms include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, post nasal drip, sinus pressure, and possible asthma flare ups in sensitive individuals.
4. Can fall allergies trigger sinus infections or asthma?
Yes. Fall allergies can cause sinus congestion and inflammation that may lead to sinus headaches or infections. Allergens can also worsen asthma and trigger breathing difficulties in people with reactive airways.
5. How can I reduce exposure to ragweed and fall allergens at home?
Close windows and doors on high pollen days, use air conditioning and high quality air filters, keep indoor humidity around 45 to 55 percent, shower and change clothes after outdoor activity, and wash pets regularly if they bring pollen indoors.
6. Are there foods that make ragweed allergies worse?
Yes. Some people with ragweed allergy experience oral allergy syndrome from cross reactive foods such as bananas, zucchini, cucumbers, squash, and watermelon. Avoiding these foods during ragweed season can reduce mouth or throat tingling.
7. How do you tell a cold from fall allergies?
Colds are usually short lived, often with body aches, chills, and fever, and last about a week to ten days. Allergies tend to last longer, recur seasonally, and usually cause itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion without fever.
8. What happens during allergy skin testing and is it accurate?
Skin testing places small amounts of allergen on the skin and lightly pricks the surface. If you react, a small raised bump appears. Skin tests closely mimic natural exposure and are highly effective for identifying environmental triggers.
9. What treatment options are available for fall allergies?
Treatment options include lifestyle measures, over the counter or prescription medications, ragweed specific tablets taken during season, and immunotherapy such as allergy shots or drops. The right choice depends on your test results and symptom severity.
10. What is rush or cluster immunotherapy and how does it differ from classic shots?
Rush or cluster immunotherapy builds up the effective dose more quickly than traditional schedules. These accelerated protocols can reach maintenance dose in weeks instead of months and may provide faster relief for patients needing rapid improvement.
11. When should I start allergy drops or immunotherapy for ragweed and mold season?
Timing depends on your allergy test results and treatment plan. Many immunotherapy regimens begin several months before peak pollen season or continue year round. An allergist can recommend the ideal start time for allergy drops or shots.
12. When do fall allergies usually end?
Fall allergies often taper as ragweed pollen levels decline, generally by late November to early December, but mold and indoor allergens may persist into winter. Weather, humidity, and local pollen levels determine the exact end of the season.
13. When should I see an allergist for fall allergies?
See an allergist if symptoms persist for more than two to three weeks, if over the counter treatments fail, if asthma or recurrent sinus problems develop, or if allergies significantly affect sleep, daily function, or quality of life.