Grass season begins! And it lasts until the fall, enough to make a large majority of people affected by hay fever wince – or rather tear up. “This population is particularly exposed because these plants are very widespread, more than 200 species, their flowering period is long and they release a large quantity of pollen,” explains Marie-Hélène Corajod, consultant at aha! Swiss Allergy Center.
The next few days will be favorable for grasses. “The cold weather of recent weeks has slowed their development, but with the rise in temperatures and the return of the sun, we can expect high concentrations of pollen,” continues the specialist.
To best manage this dreaded period, aha! Swiss Allergy Center recommends first of all having hay fever diagnosed by a specialist. Treatment is then based on antihistamines, in combination with cortisone applied locally in the form of drops or spray. It is better to take your medication before exposure to pollen, hence the usefulness of consult the pollen forecasts online or on the Pollen News app.
Other precautions help limit the effects of pollen: wear sunglasses, take a shower and wash your hair, or take advantage of some fresh air after prolonged episodes of rain, which “washes” the atmosphere. Grasses reach their peak between mid-May and June.
