Several departments in the southeast of France are on 鈥榟igh risk鈥� 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 R茅seau national de surveillance a茅robiologique (RSA) has classified several departments in the Provence-Alpes-C么te d'Azur region as 鈥榟igh risk鈥�.
The pollen particularly highlighted as presenting a high risk are:
Cypress, thuja, and juniper (颁耻辫谤别蝉蝉补肠茅别蝉-罢补虫补肠茅别蝉:&苍产蝉辫;cypr猫s, thuyas, gen茅vriers).
(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:
笔测谤茅苍茅别蝉-翱谤颈别苍迟补濒别蝉
Aude
贬茅谤补耻濒迟
Gard
Vaucluse
叠辞耻肠丑别蝉-诲耻-搁丑么苍别
Var
Alpes-Maritimes
As of February 13, All of France is on 鈥榤edium鈥� alert (yellow), except for the Mediterranean area, which is on 鈥榟igh鈥� alert (red), the RSA statesPollens.fr
On February 12, the RSA posted an updated warning on , specifying that its monitoring had noted the heightened presence of:
Betulaceae pollens (alder and hazel), particularly in Rh么ne
Cupressaceae (cypress, cedar, and juniper) pollen; very abundant in the Mediterranean, with a high risk of allergy
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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 for more information if needed
Rainy episodes may ease symptoms temporarily, the RSA said, because they 鈥減ush pollen to the ground鈥�. In contrast, it warned people to 鈥渨atch out for sunnier, milder and windier days, which will encourage pollen to disperse into the air鈥�.
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
Avoid aggravating your symptoms with other irritants, such as tobacco, cleaning or DIY products, interior perfumes or scents, incense, or candles, etc.
