Red alert for cypress pollen: how to distinguish an allergy from a cold to take good care of yourself

Cold or allergy ? If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult a professional to carry out a test (illustrative photo). MIKAEL ANISSET – Midi Libre

The Mediterranean has gone into "red alert" for pollen from trees in the cypress family since January 20, 2024.

For 4 weeks, on January 20, 2024 precisely, the Mediterranean region has gone into red alert for pollen from several trees in full flower, alerts the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA).

The pollens that cause allergies at the moment are those of the cypress family, which also includes junipers and thujas, trees in full bloom currently.

The red alert level means that even people with mild allergies are at risk of contracting symptoms, we can read on France 3.

📢Alerte aux pollens de Cyprès!
Voici le communiqué de presse du RNSA sur l'alerte aux pollens de cyprès, actuellement déclarée autour de la Méditerranée!
🔗https://t.co/q1cFuYXqko
N'hésitez pas à partager cette information autour de vous📢
Bon courage à tous les allergiques!🌿🤧 pic.twitter.com/yias1IHau1

— Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique (@rnsa_pollen) January 23, 2024

Cold or allergy ?

How to know if you are suffering from an allergy or a cold ? If sneezing does not allow you to distinguish whether ;#39;we suffer from one or the other, other signs are not misleading. 

"The allergy itches and the fluid that flows from the nose will remain clear, while it quickly becomes yellower and thicker in the case of a cold. Furthermore, an allergic reaction does not cause aches or fever", according to Yann-Patrick Massebie, allergist from Var interviewed by our colleagues from France 3.

Take a test

If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult a professional to carry out a test.

The Ministry of Health provides several tips for people who know they are allergic: "rinse your hair in the evening", "ventilate the house for at least 10 minutes a day, preferably before sunrise and after sunset" and'"avoid making your symptoms worse by adding irritating or allergic factors" such as "tobacco, cleaning products, interior perfumes…"< /em>

Advice

Outside, the public prosecutor's website recommends avoiding mowing the lawn and maintaining the garden …". It is also advisable to avoid drying laundry outside and to "keep the windows closed when traveling by car".