Tough week for hayfever sufferers

HAYFEVER sufferers face a difficult week across a large part of France, due to very high levels of grass pollen.

Allergen watchdog RNSA (Réseau national de surveillance aérobiologique) has issued a red alert for about two-thirds of the country south of the Loire, and an orange warning for the rest of the country.

The latest warning is in place until June 5. Grass pollen is the most common allergen and typically affects sufferers between May and July.

The alert level is based on weather forecasts and reports from GPs' surgeries around France.

Other hayfever triggers, including birch and olive tree pollen, are also at high levels in some parts of the country.

This website gives a breakdown of pollen levels by department and by type.