What can you do during hay fever season?
Are the tickles in your throat, itchy eyes, and endless sneezing returning? Hay fever season is upon us: something that affects approximately 20% of the Dutch population. There’s a good chance that you or someone you know is affected. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to alleviate your symptoms. In this blog, we share 5 tips.
Want to learn more about hay fever? Read this blog to find out exactly what hay fever is.
Tip 1 Learn what triggers your symptoms
Hay fever is caused by pollen from various trees, grasses, and plants. Not everyone is affected by the same pollen, and the time of year when you suffer the most from hay fever can vary. The overview below briefly shows when each type of pollen is most active. Keep track of when you experience the most symptoms, and you will naturally learn which pollen you are sensitive to or not.
February: Hazel and Alder
March: Hazel, Alder, Goat Willow, Yew, and Meadow Foxtail
April: Goat Willow, Yew, Birch, Beech, English Oak, Ash, Meadow Foxtail, and Sweet Vernal Grass
May: Yew, Birch, Beech, English Oak, Ash, Small Grassweed, Meadow Foxtail, Sweet Vernal Grass, Rye, and Meadow Grass
June: Small Grassweed, Sweet Vernal Grass, Rye, Meadow Grass, Couch Grass, and Maize
July: Small Grassweed, Mugwort, Sweet Vernal Grass, Rye, Meadow Grass, Couch Grass, and Maize
August: Mugwort, Ragweed, Meadow Grass, Couch Grass, and Maize
September: Mugwort, Ragweed, and Meadow Grass
October: Meadow Grass
Tip 2 Apply some ointment
Apply a greasy cream or petroleum jelly around your nostrils. This way, some of the pollen will stick to it instead of entering your nose. This can help reduce sneezing and the itchy feeling in your nose.
Tip 3 Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses can prevent pollen from getting into your eyes. This may help reduce itchy eyes, and you’ll also look summery.
Tip 4 Head to the coast
Need a day without pollen? Head to the coast. There are few to no pollen present by the sea, making it the perfect way to give your body a break from sneezing.
Written by: Caya Kerkhof
