-
What do the different number plate colours of cars mean in France?
Standard passenger vehicles must be white, but do you know what the other colours signify?
-
Small town in Normandy attracts record visits on Wikipedia
A new ranking puts this famous coastal town in first place, followed by a medieval hilltop favourite, and three mountain resorts
-
French wine production faces sharp decline
Adverse weather conditions across France's key vineyards forecast a 22% drop in output for 2024
Allergy-causing pollen arrives early in France
Allergy-causing pollen is already high in eastern France, with experts linking its early appearance to climate change - with allergies also being made worse by increased pollution.
In the north-east of France, including in Alsace (Grand Est), some trees are already in bloom, and are spreading flowers that can cause allergies and hayfever in many people.
Allergy symptoms have reportedly arrived earlier this year than last, with the allergy pollen count significant in the area over the past few days.
Cédric Galichet, lung specialist, spoke to French TV network BMFTV: “As soon as temperatures vary between day and night, and there is a little breeze, [the pollen and flowers] are transported in the air, and people who are allergic to the proteins in this pollen, will develop conjunctivitis, congestion, or asthma.”
Pharmacies in the area have ordered a larger amount of hayfever medicine than normal at this time of year as a result.
A local pharmacist told BMFTV: “When people arrive at the pharmacy, we try to be sure that [giving them] antihistamines is the right thing. We try to be sure that it is really allergies and not just a cold.”
Pollen map of France, February 16 2020 (Map: BMFTV)
Almost a quarter of French people suffer from respiratory allergies, of which half are linked to pollen.
Experts say that these allergies are exacerbated by factors including global warming and increased pollution.
An allergy specialist said: “Avoid doing sports [outside] during pollen spikes. If you have been walking in nature, rinse your hair and take a shower, because pollen grains can attach themselves to your hair.”
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France