Despite winter in full swing and sub-zero temperatures, the pollen season has begun to creep in across Sweden. The Swedish Museum of Natural History notes that the season is delayed by a month compared to last year due to the colder winter, but pharmacies are already seeing increased sales of allergy medication.
This year's winter has been significantly colder than the previous one, delaying the pollen season by a full month, according to the Swedish Museum of Natural History, which continuously measures pollen levels in the air. Despite sub-zero temperatures, pharmacies report an increase in allergy medication sales, and several people are beginning to notice symptoms like itchy eyes.
An explanation for pollen in cold weather is that it arrives via southerly winds from parts of Europe where hazel has already begun to bloom, says Agneta Ekebom, pollen expert at the museum. Climate change has generally led to warmer winters, advancing blooming and thus the pollen season.
Liselott Florén from the Asthma and Allergy Association states that the pollen season has also become longer and more intense. According to the Pollenkoll website, a quarter of the population is pollen allergic, and the number of allergy sufferers in the Western world is increasing. Florén mentions two main reasons in the Nordic region: longer exposure to pollen increases the risk of allergy, and climate changes are shifting new pollen types northward, such as ragweed from Central Europe.
For those allergic to hazel, Florén recommends monitoring forecasts and stocking up on medication in advance. According to Pollenkoll, alder follows closely after hazel, then elm, aspen, birch, and willow. Later in spring come oak and grass, and in summer, mugwort.
The Asthma and Allergy Association provides tips for managing pollen allergy: air out early in the morning or at night, dry laundry indoors, shower before bedtime, keep dogs out of the bedroom, and limit time outdoors. Over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can be used, preferably preventively two weeks in advance.
