The birch pollen season, which has officially started in Denmark, often catches out new arrivals to the country, as the counts are particularly high in southern Scandinavia and often affect people who had never previously suffered from any kind of hay fever.
Warmth normally worsens the situation
Today’s 13:00 count of just 11 particles per cubic metre in the capital region confirms it has been a slow start to the birch pollen season so far.
It is common for the count to exceed a thousand during the first fortnight of the season, but it is known to stop-start if temperatures keep on rising and falling, which can cause it to hang around for six or seven weeks.
With the thermometer currently at 18 degrees, there’s a good chance tomorrow’s count will be much higher.
Watch out for ragweed
For a long time birch has been the pollen that Danish-based allergy sufferers fear the most, but there is a new interloper in our midst, all the way from North America to southern Europe via migratory birds: common ragweed (bynkeambrosie).
It is estimated the invasive species could cause over 100,000 new allergy cases once it takes hold, but it is unlikely it will make a big impression this year.
Get some meds!
If you are new to Denmark and have been suffering from flu-like conditions over the last two days, you are best advised to call or see your doctor and get medication – the Flixonase nasal spray is among the recommended treatments (no prescription is necessary), as are antihistamine tablets or eye drops. It’s a question of finding the one that works best for you.
Before you dismiss the notion and insist you have spring flu (like last April!), remember there are 1 million sufferers in Denmark, so your chances of being among them are just under 20 percent.
Sunglasses recommended outside
In the meantime, even if you’re not 100 percent sure, it’s best advised to wear sunglasses while you cycle to shield your eyes from direct contact, which can be quite stinging.
Drying your clothes indoors, a shower before bed to wash the pollen out of your hair, and closed windows during the middle of the day are also best advised.
