Early Hay Fever Hits Hard in the Netherlands

Spring in the Netherlands is bright and sunny, but it brings a common problem (besides tax time!). Hay fever season arrived early this year. About one million people feel the effects right now. The main cause is birch pollen.

Usually, the worst birch pollen hits in April. This year, the high peak happened in March. Researcher Anne Overduin says clinics see record numbers of complaints. Many people feel very tired from their symptoms. Birch trees bloom fast in warm and dry weather. The worst days will likely hit late this week or next week.

The trouble actually started back in December. Ash pollen showed up first, and now birch is blooming. Half of all people with hay fever react to birch trees. Because the season started early, it might also end sooner.

Plant expert Maurice Martens shares great advice to manage your day. Here is what you can do to feel better:

• Go outside before 10:00 in the morning. Pollen levels in the air are lowest at that time.
• Avoid jogging or sitting outside around 5:00 in the afternoon. Pollen counts are much higher later in the day.
• Wear sunglasses when you step outside. Glasses block a lot of pollen from reaching your eyes.
• Check a pollen calendar. This helps you find out exactly which plants bother you.

There is a small piece of good news. Recent dry summers have lowered grass pollen levels. Grass stops making pollen when the ground gets too dry.

For now, plan your morning walks and keep your sunglasses handy. The birch peak will pass within a few weeks.

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