Summer in California’s Central Valley brings sunshine, family fun, and plenty of outdoor adventures. But for families with children who have allergies or asthma, the season also presents some unique challenges. From high pollen counts to wildfire smoke and increased travel, summer activities can sometimes trigger symptoms and impact your child’s well-being.
Here’s how you can help your child enjoy a safe, active, and allergy-aware summer—whether they’re at home, at camp, or on the road.
1. Know Your Local Allergy Triggers
The Central Valley is known for its agriculture—and unfortunately, for high pollen and air pollution levels. Common summer triggers include:
- Grass pollen
- Tree pollen (especially oak, olive, and mulberry)
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Wildfire smoke and ozone pollution
Keep track of daily air quality and pollen forecasts using websites like AirNow.gov or the Pollen.com app. On high pollen or poor air quality days, limit outdoor time, especially during mid-morning to early afternoon when levels tend to peak.
2. Prep for Camps and Travel
Whether your child is heading to summer camp, visiting relatives, or going on vacation, be proactive:
- Create an allergy and asthma action plan with your child’s doctor. Include details on medications, symptoms to watch for, and what to do in an emergency.
- Pack medications, including inhalers, antihistamines, and epinephrine auto-injectors, if prescribed. Always carry them in your day bag.
- Research safe ways to travel with allergies.
- Notify camp or travel organizers about your child’s allergies or asthma. Provide written instructions and emergency contact information.
3. Manage Indoor Air Quality at Home
On days when it’s best to stay inside, make sure your indoor air is safe:
- Use HEPA filters in air purifiers and your HVAC system.
- Keep windows closed during high-pollen or smoky days.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water to reduce dust mites.
- Avoid indoor triggers like scented candles or aerosol sprays.
If wildfires are nearby, create a “clean room” in your home with filtered air where your child can relax safely.
4. Plan Outdoor Fun Strategically
Don’t skip the fun—just be strategic about when and where you go:
- Choose activities in the early morning or later evening when pollen counts and ozone levels are lower.
- Head to places with better air quality, such as coastal areas or higher elevations.
- After outdoor play, have your child shower and change clothes to remove pollen from skin and hair.
5. Teach Kids to Speak Up About Symptoms
As kids become more independent, it’s crucial they understand their own health:
- Teach them to recognize early symptoms like wheezing, coughing, itchy eyes, or hives.
- Encourage them to speak up if they’re not feeling well or if they’ve been exposed to a known trigger.
- Practice using inhalers or epinephrine pens together so they feel confident in an emergency.
6. Stay Consistent with Medications
Don’t let the summer break disrupt your child’s treatment plan. Continue any prescribed daily allergy or asthma medications, even if symptoms seem to improve. Staying consistent can prevent flare-ups during active summer days.
7. Be Extra Cautious During Wildfire Season
Wildfires are a growing concern in the Central Valley. Smoke can trigger asthma attacks and worsen allergy symptoms—even miles away from the flames. During wildfire events:
- Limit outdoor activity and avoid vigorous exercise.
- Run air purifiers indoors.
- Use N95 masks (child-sized, if available) if going outside is unavoidable.
A Safe Summer is a Happy Summer
With a little planning and awareness, you can help your child make the most of their summer—without letting allergies or asthma get in the way. Keep your family informed, stay prepared, and don’t forget to have fun!
Bonus Tip: Schedule a pre-summer check-up with your pediatrician or allergist to review your child’s condition and update their action plan.
This post was medically reviewed by Sydney Long, MD, a board-certified allergist-immunologist.
