NORFOLK -- Allergy season is in full swing, and sufferers now have more choices of treatments.

Among the new prescriptions on the markets are a steroid nasal spray called Omnaris and a cousin of Zyrtec called Xyzal.

Allergists say the most effective treatment for sufferers is allergy shots custom made for you, but there are other options.

“We do have some newer second generation antihistamines which tend to be non-sedating,” said Dr. Craig Koenig of Allergy and Asthma Specialists.

Among them is prescription Xyzal, which was FDA-approved about a year ago.

Video: New options for allergy sufferers

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“They’re useful in helping people with primarily with itching and sneezing of the nose,” he said. “They do help with drip down the front and back of the throat as well, and can be helpful with ocular allergies as well.”

However, antihistamines like Xyzal may not help with congestion, a prime culprit of sinus infections. Allergy sufferers we talked to are trying a variety of medications.

Allie Thomas says she takes Claritin and Vitamin C while Gretta Lewis said she sometimes takes Benadryl.

“I take Allegra,” added Jim Hughes. “But I just take it, does the job. But, you noticed I was sneezing, so I guess it doesn’t work that well.”

Some patients say Xyzal is not covered, or if it is, the co-pay and cost is high.

If over-the-counter treatments do not work and you are still miserable, then it is probably time to see an allergy specialist.