Hay fever, Corona or something else?

Due to the humid weather and the low temperatures since Christmas, the pollen concentration has remained low. A warning for hay fever complaints was already issued in mid-December, because the first hazel trees and the early flowering alder flowers came into bloom early, due to the very warm November month. The alder pollen concentration was expected to increase significantly in December and January. But according to Wageningen University, the concentration has probably remained low due to the drizzly and chilly weather.

The next alder pollen peak is expected in February or early March. With hazel trees there seems to be a wider spread in the time of flowering.

During dry days, people who are sensitive to alder pollen may experience symptoms for the next few weeks. An estimated 35 percent of hay fever sufferers are sensitive to alder pollen.

What to do? Of course it starts with a good diagnosis. If you have the slightest suspicion that Corona may be involved, get tested quickly. Are you unsure about allergies to pollen or dust mites? Even then: have yourself tested for this. If it is hay fever, there are various remedies that can reduce your allergic reaction. Usually this can be bought without a prescription at any pharmacie. There are tablets, drops and nasal sprays. Try to avoid pollen stimuli as much as possible. 

The following tips can also help you:

• Air your home in the early morning and late evening. Then the amount of pollen in the air is usually the lowest.
• Install a pollen screen. This is a special screen that prevents pollen from entering.
• Does the situation at home or at the office not allow this, consider filtering your ‘indoor air’. BRISE devices can be additionally effective in reducing respiratory complaints such as hay fever and asthma.
• Prefer not to dry your laundry outside. The pollen can stick to it.
• Sometimes it helps if you wear sunglasses outside. The pollen is less likely to irritate your eyes.