High risk of allergies in southeast france

THE NATIONAL AIR MONITORING NETWORK HAS ISSUED ADVICE FOR PEOPLE ALLERGIC TO ALDER, HAZEL, CYPRESS POLLEN Several departments in the southeast of France are on ‘high risk’ alert (the maximum

level that is possible) for pollen allergies, with people in the area urged to be alert and take preventative measures. Since the start of February, the national air monitoring network le

Réseau national de surveillance aérobiologique (RSA) has classified several departments in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region as ‘high risk’. The pollen particularly highlighted as

presenting a high risk are: * Cypress, thuja, and juniper (Cupressacées-Taxacées: cyprès, thuyas, genévriers). (Other pollen, including mimosa, alder and hazel, are at medium risk; see the

full list on the RSA website here.)  The high-risk warning applies to: * Pyrénées-Orientales * Aude * Hérault * Gard * Vaucluse * Bouches-du-Rhône * Var  * Alpes-Maritimes Read also: LIST:

Calendar of main pollen allergies in France month by month  On February 12, the RSA posted an updated warning on its Facebook page, specifying that its monitoring had noted the heightened

presence of: * Betulaceae pollens (alder and hazel), particularly in Rhône * Cupressaceae (cypress, cedar, and juniper) pollen; very abundant in the Mediterranean, with a high risk of

allergy It warned of symptoms including a runny nose and itchy eyes, and advised people to:  * Take extra care and limit exposure to pollens * Follow any treatment plan or medication to the

letter * Consult a health professional if symptoms persist * Visit the website www.pollens.fr for more information if needed Rainy episodes may ease symptoms temporarily, the RSA said,

because they “push pollen to the ground”. In contrast, it warned people to “watch out for sunnier, milder and windier days, which will encourage pollen to disperse into the air”. The network

also advises:  * Avoid spending too long in a park or green areas in broad daylight, especially during the height of the day * Open windows early in the morning and late at night to air out

the room, but close them during the day to prevent pollen from coming indoors * Avoid drying clothes outside * Wear a mask and sunglasses if it helps * Wash or rinse your hair at night to

prevent pollen sticking to it and irritating you as you sleep The French Health Ministry also advises, in addition:  * Avoid aggravating your symptoms with other irritants, such as tobacco,

cleaning or DIY products, interior perfumes or scents, incense, or candles, etc. * Keep your car windows closed when driving