Cedar Fever Relief
in Austin, TX

Cedar fever is a severe allergic reaction to pollen from mountain cedar trees (Juniperus ashei), not a viral illness. It gets its name because the intense inflammatory immune response can cause symptoms that feel flu-like — profound fatigue, facial pressure, and a low-grade temperature in some people. However, unlike the flu, cedar fever doesn't cause body aches, high fever, or stomach symptoms, and it won't respond to antiviral medications.

Cedar season in Austin typically runs from late November through February, peaking in late December and January. Mountain cedar trees release pollen in bursts triggered by cold fronts — which is why Austinites often notice symptoms spiking dramatically overnight after a weather change. On the worst days, cedar pollen counts can exceed 20,000 grains per cubic meter of air.

Austin sits at the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country, which is home to tens of millions of mountain cedar trees (Juniperus ashei). This species is native to the region and produces an exceptionally allergenic pollen. When cold fronts push through Central Texas in winter, the trees release enormous clouds of pollen that drift east toward Austin. The combination of sheer pollen volume and high allergenicity makes Austin's cedar season one of the most severe in the world.

Yes — this is one of the most common and surprising things about cedar fever. Many people who move to Austin from other parts of the country or world have no prior allergy history, but after one to several seasons of exposure to mountain cedar, their immune system becomes sensitized and begins reacting. It's also common for lifelong Austin residents to develop cedar fever in their 30s, 40s, or even later.

Yes. Allergy immunotherapy — either subcutaneous injections (allergy shots) or sublingual drops placed under the tongue — is the most effective long-term treatment for cedar fever. By exposing your immune system to gradually increasing amounts of cedar allergen, immunotherapy retrains your body to stop overreacting to cedar pollen. Most patients see significant improvement within one to two cedar seasons. After completing a full course of treatment (typically 3–5 years), many patients achieve lasting tolerance even after stopping treatment.

Capital ENT offers same-week and often same-day appointments during cedar season at our Austin, Lakeway, Marble Falls, and Dripping Springs locations. We understand that cedar fever can be debilitating and disruptive, and we prioritize getting suffering patients seen quickly. Call 512-339-4040 or use our online booking form to request an appointment.

Most major insurance plans cover allergy testing and immunotherapy when medically necessary. Prescription medications are also typically covered. Our team will verify your insurance benefits before your appointment and walk you through any costs. We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. See our Insurance & Billing page for a full list.