A new application for predicting pollen levels in cities is now available. It helps anticipate peaks and treat themselves to alleviate allergic symptoms.
We knew the pollution peaks, but there are also “pollen peaks” for different pollens to which we can be allergic. With good weather, pollen peaks increase even more in France. In Toulouse, the startup Weatherforce launched the “Weather Pollen” smartphone app.
As its name suggests, this new tool allows you to know the pollen forecasts in your city for the next few days. An effective way for people who are sensitive or allergic to a particular pollen, to protect themselves or to start an anti-allergic treatment without waiting.
Anticipate allergens for better treatment
The principle of Météo Pollen could not be simpler: once downloaded to the smartphone, the application indicates to city dwellers the level of concentration of different pollens, which do not all arrive at the same time, in the air of their place. habitat. “Unlike existing applications, it announces the quantities of pollen expected in each city, for the current day and the two following days”, specify the founders.
If you’re allergic but don’t know which pollen to use, this is a good way to find out. Likewise, if you know you are allergic to a particular pollen, it is a good way to anticipate treatment. The earlier it is given, the more likely it is to work, especially with antihistamines.
Ten times more allergies than in 1970
The forecasts relate to pollen from grasses, birch and olive trees. Designed in partnership with the European Meteorological Center, it also provides the Météo France map, as well as information on air pollution and advice to limit the effects of allergy. Launched on March 15, the application has, according to the founders of WeatherForce, generated more than 500 downloads.
It must be said that the arrival of sunny days does not only make people happy: 30% of French people suffer from allergy and fear the sun because of the high concentrations of pollen it generates. According to experts, this rate of intolerance is 10 times higher than in 1970.
Simple actions to protect yourself on a daily basis
If you are allergic to pollen, there are a few things you can do to help. It is better to avoid walks in the forest, field or meadow when the allergic risk is high. If you are driving by car, you must close the windows.
the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network also recommend to “to rinse the hair in the evening (otherwise the pollens are deposited on the pillowcase and maintain the irritation), to favor the opening of the windows before sunrise and after sunset (the pollens are more present during the day , editor’s note), avoid drying clothes outside, follow your treatment properly and consult your doctor in the event of symptoms … “.
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