Hay fever season: how to prepare yourself

Every year it happens again: spring arrives and millions of Belgians start sneezing, blowing their noses and walking around with red eyes. Hay fever - or allergic rhinitis - affects an estimated 20-25% of the Belgian population. And the symptoms are getting worse each year, partly due to climate change and longer pollen seasons.

But you don't have to watch helplessly. With the right preparation and a smart plan, you can make hay fever season much more bearable.

When does hay fever season start in Belgium?

Contrary to what many people think, hay fever isn't limited to spring. The Belgian pollen season is divided into three major waves:

February - April: Tree pollen (birch, hazel, alder)
May - July: Grass pollen (the biggest culprit for most people)
July - September: Weed pollen (mugwort, nettle)

Birch pollen in March-April is particularly aggressive in Belgium. Our climate and high concentration of birch trees make this one of the toughest periods for allergy sufferers.

Tip: Follow the daily pollen counts on the Sciensano website (Belgium's public health knowledge centre). This way you'll know exactly when your specific allergens peak.

Why are symptoms getting worse every year?

Climate researchers point to multiple factors:

Higher temperatures cause trees and plants to produce pollen earlier and for longer
Rising CO2 levels make plants more productive - they produce more pollen per plant
Air pollution in urban areas makes pollen more aggressive and irritating
The biodiversity crisis reduces plant species variety, allowing some allergenic species to dominate

The result: the season starts earlier, lasts longer, and pollen concentrations are higher than ever.

Preparation: start early

2-4 weeks before the season

Don't wait for your first sneezing fits. The most effective approach is to start preventatively:

Consult your pharmacist about antihistamines. Newer generations (such as cetirizine or loratadine) cause much less drowsiness than older variants
Consider a corticosteroid nasal spray - these are most effective when you start them before symptoms begin
Don't let your eyes be caught off guard: have anti-allergy eye drops at home

The right supplements

Some dietary supplements can help your body better cope with allergic reactions:

Vitamin C - Works as a natural antihistamine and supports the immune system
Quercetin - A flavonoid that stabilises mast cells and can inhibit histamine release
Omega-3 fatty acids - Anti-inflammatory, can reduce the intensity of allergic reactions
Probiotics - Growing research points to a link between gut health and allergic reactions

Always discuss supplement use with your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you're already taking other medication.

Practical tips during the season

Indoors

Keep windows and doors closed during peak times (usually between 10:00 and 20:00)
Wash your clothes and bedding regularly at high temperatures
Shower and wash your hair before bed to remove pollen
Use a HEPA air filter in the bedroom
Dry your laundry inside rather than on the outdoor washing line

Outdoors

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen
Apply a little petroleum jelly around your nostrils to catch pollen
Avoid freshly mowed grass - it's one of the strongest triggers
Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or after a rain shower, when pollen concentration is lower
Keep car windows closed while driving

When to see a doctor

Sometimes self-medication isn't enough. Make an appointment with your GP or allergist if:

Over-the-counter medication doesn't provide sufficient relief
Your symptoms seriously disrupt your sleep
You develop asthma-like symptoms (wheezing, shortness of breath)
The allergy affects your daily functioning (work, school, social life)

Your doctor can refer you for an allergy test to determine exactly what you're allergic to, and can discuss immunotherapy (desensitisation). This is currently the only treatment that tackles the allergy at its source.

Hay fever in children

Children often develop hay fever between ages 5 and 15. Watch for these signals:

Frequent nose rubbing (the "allergic salute")
Dark circles under the eyes
Mouth breathing
Concentration problems at school

For children, there are adapted formulations of antihistamines in syrup or chewable tablet form. Ask your pharmacist for the right dosage based on age and weight.

A season to get through

Hay fever is annoying, but with the right preparation, you don't have to suffer through it. Start early, use the right products, and listen to your body. Your Belgian pharmacy is your first point of contact for personalised advice - make use of it.

And remember: after the pollen comes summer. It's worth pushing through.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for serious symptoms.