Poplar

I have had a sore throat for the last few days, but no cold. I have been slathering on the Vicks, assuming it is a cold. But that hasn't helped. (Hasn't harmed anything though)
Last year, I suspected I was allergic to poplar. When I checked my blog from last year I see that the date it started was April 18. If this is the same thing, it is 3 weeks early!
pollenplus.com for the Toronto area says:

The poplar and aspen season is from late March to the end of April. Some of the counts are high and may cause allergic reactions.

I would take allergy medecine, but I find it makes me sick to my stomach. Any other suggestions for making it through poplar season?