almost all of France placed on red alert

Recognizable among all, the cypresses. This ornamental tree, very widespread in the Mediterranean region, is the number one enemy of those allergic to pollen. “It starts with the eyes, it tickles the ears a lot”, describes a woman. This year, with generally mild weather, the pollen season is particularly early. In a Marseille pharmacy, antihistamines are already selling like hot cakes. The south of France is placed on red alert, but not only. Almost the whole country is affected, more than 80 departments in total.

Wearing a mask outdoors, very effective

Over the past 30 years, we have gone from 5 to 30% of the French population with allergies. The only treatment capable of acting on the disease: desensitization, but it must be done at a distance from the pollen season. To protect yourself now, a few simple actions can improve your daily life. “Wash your hair, beard, and any hairiness thoroughly. Change your clothes when you get home, don’t hang clothes to dry outside, don’t make drafts, roll up the windows closed”, advises Véronique Lustgarten, allergist in Nice (Alpes-Maritimes). Another very practical tip: wearing a mask outdoors, very effective in protecting yourself from pollen.