Did you know that there are over 150 different airborne allergens out there? The good news is that they’re not around all of the time. Our handy calendar is here to guide you through the year, so you know what to expect, and when.
JANUARY
The good news is that you’re unlikely to suffer from hayfever in January as there isn’t much tree pollen around, and no grass pollen. However, this is when tree pollen season starts. From mid-late January, tree pollen season begins for Hazel, Alder and Yew.
At this time of year, the key triggers for allergies are dust mites , mould and pets, rather than pollen.
Tip to try:
When you’re packing away the Christmas decorations at the start of the month, store them in sealed containers to avoid them becoming dusty – your December self will thank you!
FEBRUARY
The weather may not have warmed up very much at this time of year, but hayfever in February isn’t entirely uncommon. Many people in Ireland are allergic to tree pollen, which is seasonal. Along with Hazel and Alder that begin releasing pollen in January, the pollen season for Willow and Elm trees starts in February.
With poor weather, most people will be spending the majority of their time indoors, where dust mites, mould and pets can trigger allergies.
MARCH
Hayfever in March is to be expected – after all, it’s the month that brings spring. There is tree pollen from willow, elm, birch, alder, cypress and yew. Many varieties of flowers also start to bloom around now, which means more pollen.
Dust mites, mould and pets continue to be triggers indoors.
Tip to try:
Get into the habit of checking the pollen count on a daily basis, so that you’re always prepared.
APRIL
We’re slap bang in the middle of springtime this month, which brings with it a bonanza of pollen, making hayfever in April very common. Tree pollen season is in full swing, with Birch, Plane, Ash and Oak. Flowers are blooming too, bringing their pollen into the mix.
Indoors, dust mites, mould and pets are the main triggers.
Tip to try:
Early morning and early evening are peak pollen times during the day, so try to keep windows and doors closed to avoid it entering and travelling through the house.
MAY
While the first few months of the year are when tree pollen season starts, now is typically the beginning of grass pollen season, so hayfever in May is very common. Generally speaking, urban areas tend to have lower pollen counts than places in the countryside and inland areas tend to have higher pollen counts compared to on the coast. Pine and Oil Seed Rape tree pollen also peaks this month.
The usual suspects are still triggers indoors – dust mites, mould and pets.
Tip to try:
Minimise pollen levels in the home by keeping plants outside, and picking low- allergen plants such as honeysuckle, lavender and foxgloves.
JUNE
This is the month that brings with it the year’s first peak of grass pollen, which is usually in the first two weeks of June, but the timing can depend on the weather. Generally, when temperatures and rainfall are lower, so is pollen production. Pollen is at its peak for Dock, Nettle and Lime Trees this month. There’s a lot around that can trigger hayfever in June.
Within the home, dust mites, mould and pets continue to trigger allergies.
Tip to try:
Take a shower or have a bath before you go to sleep, to avoid the transference of pollen onto your bedding.
JULY
This is the month that grass pollen takes over from tree pollen as the prime allergen. Grass pollen affects around 90% of allergic rhinitis sufferers, so it’s vital to check the pollen count regularly so that your informed and can take precautionary measures accordingly. Other plants are still also a bother though, with Nettle pollen at its peak during the month, and Mugwort reaching its peak at the end.
As there is so much pollen outside, you may want to stay inside to avoid it, but dust mites, mould and pets can still trigger allergies here.
Tip to try:
Mowing the lawn causes disturbance that can increase levels of grass pollen, so avoid doing it yourself if you’re allergic.
AUGUST
Mugwort and Nettle pollen are still at their peak in the first weeks of August, and grass pollen season is still at its peak until the middle of the month.
The indoor triggers of dust mites, mould and pets remain, but there may be an increase in mould spores this month, as they can be released as a result of harvesting.
Tip to try:
Wear wraparound sunglasses when pollen counts are at their highest to keep pollen out of your eyes.
SEPTEMBER
Grass pollen season and weed pollen season both end this month, and tree pollen should be minimal from now until the end of the year, so outdoor allergens shouldn’t cause too much hayfever in September.
Autumn allergies kick in during the later part of the month, as we switch season. The weather becomes cooler, and crucially damper, which can increase airborne mould spores. Dust mites and pets are also triggers.
Tip to try:
As the leaves fall, keep on top of clearing them away to limit mould growth among fallen leaves.
OCTOBER
Most of the Autumn allergies people experience in Ireland are down to mould spores and dust mites. The damp weather increases the number of airborne mould spores, while fungal spores can be found both inside and outside the home. Outdoors, these are mainly in woodland areas, forests and gardens, while house dust, ripe fruit and house plant soil can harbour fungi.
Indoors, pets are still an issue, alongside dust mites and mould spores.
Tip to try:
To limit moisture passing through the house, keep doors closed when cooking or showering.
NOVEMBER
Hayfever in November is not very common, as pollen shouldn’t be too much of an issue at this time of year. However, the combination of damp winter weather and having the heating on can create the perfect environment for dust mites and mould spores, so keep an eye on moisture levels in the house.
Tip to try:
Install an extractor fan in the bathroom to minimise steam.
DECEMBER
Symptoms of the common cold can mask symptoms of ‘winter allergies’ during the chillier months of the year. As there shouldn’t be much pollen around, you’re unlikely to experience traditional hayfever in December. However, dust mites, mould spores and pets can still trigger allergy symptoms.
Tip to try:
Use a damp cloth to wipe down any Christmas decorations that are dusty after being in storage all year. This is preferable to dry dusting, which can spread dust mites into the air
