The season has now accelerated in conjunction with warmer temperatures, which is noticeable not least at pharmacies around the country where the sale of allergy medication has skyrocketed over the past two weeks. A sale that has increased significantly compared to last year, according to both Apotek Hjärtat and Apoteket.
For those who have trouble with allergies, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Åslög Dahl, biologist and responsible for the pollen laboratory at the University of Gothenburg, emphasizes that many start medicating too late.
"Start now"
It's best to start medicating early. For example, it's high time for those who have trouble with birch pollen to start medicating now, even though the season doesn't start until April.
To know when to start, she recommends that everyone with trouble follow Pollenrapporten, which is run by the Natural History Museum.
There, you can keep track of what's blooming and when.
Bringing pollen into the home and bedroom is another common mistake.
You can think about washing your hair before going to bed, otherwise pollen ends up on the pillow and then the trouble gets worse at night, she says.
Avoid critical hours
The same applies to pets.
Pollen easily gets stuck in the animals' fur, so it's good to wash your dog or cat when they've been outdoors.
Those who want to exercise outdoors do best to avoid the most critical pollen hours, Åslög Dahl thinks.
It's worst between eight in the morning and four in the afternoon. But if you're very allergic, you should avoid exercising outdoors altogether.
Maja Steen Danielsson/TT
Facts: Tips for reducing allergy symptoms
TT
Don't hang clothes or bedding out to dry or air outside.
Avoid visiting newly mowed lawns.
Don't bring plants with pollen indoors.
Keep windows closed during the day.
Pollen allergy is exacerbated by tobacco smoke. Therefore, avoid smoking or staying in smoky environments.
Source: 1177
