Pollen has been bad here in NC, at least to those of us sensitive to it. I've been coughing, sniffling, and sneezing, and my eyes have been hurting/dry on bike rides, runs, and walks. Today seemed better than the past few weeks, so perhaps the worst is behind us? For me, pollen allergies have gotten worse as I've gotten older -- not better. Same for my mom; she suffers more than I do.