In brief
The mugwort (Artemisia) pollen season is over.
People allergic to fungal spores of Cladosporium should remain cautious. Although the peak has passed, concentrations are still relatively high.
Online survey for allergic people
Sciensano researchers are launching an investigation to understand how nitrogen deposition affects people with pollen allergy in Belgium.
As an allergic person, you are invited to participate in the study by answering a questionnaire (20 min maximum). For the survey to run smoothly, participants must be at least 18 years old, live in Belgium, have a pollen allergy (whether medically confirmed or not) and have symptoms of this allergy on the day of the questionnaire.
Good to know
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A few useful recommendations: avoid outdoor activities, wear sun glasses, do not dry linen outside, rinse your nose regularly, wash your hair before going to sleep.
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Typical allergy symptoms such as runny nose, cough or shortness of breath (in case of asthma) can easily be mistaken for a cold, flu or coronavirus infection. However, fever and body aches should be given special attention as they might be caused by viral infection. It is recommended to call your general practitioner in case of doubt.
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The standardized pollen detection technique allows retrospective measurement of the levels from samples taken the day before. Samples are analyzed manually during the working days by optical microscopy.
