The National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA) has put almost all French departments on red alert due to the risk of pollen allergy, according to a map updated this Friday, May 31. The association, which studies the amount of pollen in the air, considers that all metropolitan departments, with the exception of Finistère, have a high risk of allergies. Finisterre remains at “medium” risk.
“Be careful with grass pollen, which is abundant in the air and seriously bothers allergy sufferers,” the RNSA warns on its site. “The first week of June promises to be summer, which will favor the emission of grass pollen,” adds the association.
He predicts that this elevated allergy risk will last “several weeks” before decreasing “towards the end of June.”
How to minimize symptoms?
Pollen causes allergy sufferers to experience sneezing fits, red eyes, an itchy nose, and possibly wheezing or coughing. To minimize these symptoms, the Ministry of Health recommends rinsing your hair at night, ventilating the house for at least ten minutes a day, preferably before sunrise and after sunset, and avoiding drying clothes outdoors.
The ministry recommends avoiding adding irritating or allergenic factors that aggravate symptoms, such as tobacco consumption or the use of cleaning or DIY products, indoor perfumes, incense, candles…
Certain activities promote exposure to pollen, such as mowing the lawn or, in general, maintaining the garden. When traveling by car, the Ministry of Health also recommends keeping the windows closed. People with allergies can also see a doctor for treatment.
Source: BFM TV
