Double-whammy for allergy sufferers with snow mould and very-high pollen forecast
Many welcome the signs of spring but for some it’s a season of sneezing and allergy sufferers in southern Alberta might soon experience more symptoms due to both snow mould and the start of the pollen season.
Aerobiology Research Laboratories (ARL), which provides pollen forecasts for many Canadian cities, predicts very high pollen levels from trees in the Calgary area over the next several weeks.
“It’s going to be very high for poplar in the next week or so,” said Daniel Coates, director of marketing and business development at Aerobiology Research Laboratories.
“Birch is extremely allergenic and it's going to be starting ... second week of May,” said Coates.
“It’s been pushed a little bit later because of that cold start, but that's what really gets allergy sufferers going.”
COOL START
The cool start to spring meant a slow start to the allergy season in the prairies but there’s a chance it could come fast and furious now.
“You might have a shorter season with higher volume,” said Coates.
Up to nine million Canadians and one million dogs face seasonal allergies, according to ARL.
Those with allergies may react to a variety of sources including elm, cedar, juniper, maple, alder, birch, ragweed, grass, spores and moulds.
Mould, which grows under snow is released when it melts. Spores in that mould can be carried in the wind and travel a long distance.
Allergy symptoms include itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, a light cough or sneezing.
Pharmacists recommend antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops.
"If the oral tablet doesn't cover and do enough, then we can also target more precisely, like the nasal symptoms and the eyes symptoms,” said Mathieu Giroux, a pharmacist with Cambrian Pharmacy.
He said supply-chain issues have subsided for these types of medication.
“Allergy medication, allergy drops, (that) supply seems to be pretty good for now.”
Wearing wraparound sunglasses, removing outdoor clothes and shoes and showering after being outside can help.
Paying attention to the pollen forecast and staying inside when levels are high could also help people avoid symptoms.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.