A total of 30 departments in France are now considered to be at high risk for cypress, cedar, and juniper pollen - up from the eight departments on high alert last week - the national air quality network has said.
The Réseau national de surveillance aérobiologique (RNSA) put 30 departments on ‘red’ (the highest alert) for these types of pollen on Sunday, February 16. The earlier eight departments were Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, Hérault, Gard, Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, and Alpes-Maritimes
There is also a nationwide ‘yellow’ (medium) alert for hazel, alder, and ash pollen.
The RNSA stated: “Hazel and alder trees are also in full bloom across the country with a medium allergy risk, but this will quickly rise to high in the coming days.”
Mimosa pollen may also become a bigger issue in the south over the coming days, it added.
It comes after an allergy expert warned that allergies should "become a priority public health issue".
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Dr Séverine Fernandez, allergist in La Ciotat (Bouches-du-Rhône) and president of the French allergists' union le Syndicat français des allergologues, made the claim to France Inter on February 17.
She said: "[Allergies are an] epidemic underestimated by the health authorities. Pollen is getting worse. We have been warning for years that with climate change, milder winters and a lot of wind, the pollen seasons are getting worse, they are getting longer and starting earlier.
"Patients are now coming to consultations with much more severe symptoms," she said.
She warned that patients can be forced to wait up to six months to see an allergy specialist, so "[specialists] need more help so that we can better care for the entire population", she said.
She added that the World Health Organization estimates that 50% of the population will suffer from an allergy by 2050.
What to do if you suffer from allergies
The RNSA 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 RNSA website www.pollens.fr for more information if needed
Rainy episodes may ease symptoms temporarily, the RNSA 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, especially during the height of the day
Open windows early in the morning and late at night to air rooms, 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.
