The Alder, the First Culprit of Spring
The alder, this tree that is often found near rivers and in wet areas, is one of the first to release its pollen in large quantities. A simple gust of wind is all it takes to see a golden cloud escaping from its branches, signaling complicated days ahead for allergy sufferers.
This pollen is known to be highly allergenic, causing symptoms such as: sneezing fits, red and irritated eyes, breathing difficulties, and fatigue.
And the bad news is, if you're sensitive to alder, there's a good chance you'll also react to its cousins, the birch and the hazel, which will start to bloom shortly too!
Why the Alert So Early in the Year?
Usually, the peak pollen period for alder occurs between March and April. But with a milder winter than usual, the blooms have gotten a head start, already exposing allergies to these aggressive pollens.
The Rennes pollen monitoring team, which tracks pollen emissions in real time, has recorded a strong activity...
How to minimize the damage?
*Close your windows during critical hours (early morning and late afternoon)
*Avoid going out on windy days when pollen is most airborne
*Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
*Wash your hair and change your clothes when you get home
*Consult an allergist if your symptoms become too bothersome
If the alder is the first to show up, it won’t be the last. Pollen from hazelnuts is already in the air, and birch will soon follow. The allergy season has just begun, and it promises to be intense.
So, for those with allergies, hang in there, gear up… and get the tissues ready!