Map: Several areas of France on high alert for pollen allergies

The departments of Drôme, Isère, Ardèche, Rhône, Ain, Saône-et-Loire, Allier, Cher, Indre, Creuse, Vaucluse, and Gard are on high alert for ragweed pollen.

In other departments, grass, plantain, wormwood and nettle pollen will be in higher concentrations but these strands cause less severe reactions.

Lower rates announced in the Alps and Corsica regions can be attributed to recent storms as rain can provide a temporary respite. Pollen concentration is therefore expected to go up in these areas towards the end of the week, reports the Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique.

If you are subject to allergies and do not take medication, nasal sprays and eye drops can be purchased in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.