Health warning for anyone going to Spain, Greece, Turkey, France or Italy
As Brits prepare to jet off on their summer holidays, many will also be hoping to escape their hayfever suffering. But unfortunately for those heading to Europe, their hayfever symptoms aren't likely to disappear when they step off the plane.
Allan Green, pharmacist and over-the-counter medicine specialist at Weldricks Pharmacy, said there are popular locations where your symptoms will be just as bad as at home. 13 million people in the UK have hay fever.
He said: 'It's a common misconception that hayfever symptoms disappear when you go on holiday. Southern European destinations like Spain, Greece, Italy, France and Turkey experience high pollen levels from grass, olive and tree sources throughout spring and summer.
'The worst time to travel to these countries often falls in the UK school summer holidays; peak pollen seasons do vary from country to country, but up until the end of July is where holidaymakers experience highest levels of grass and olive pollen, across most European holiday destinations.'
How can hayfever sufferers manage their symptoms abroad?
Allan said: 'With the right preparation, hayfever doesn't need to spoil your holiday. Start treatments such as antihistamines one to two weeks before you travel, pack enough medication for the duration of your trip and take simple steps to reduce exposure – such as keeping hotel windows shut during peak pollen hours, showering after being outdoors and wearing wrap-around sunglasses to shield your eyes.'
Weldricks Pharmacy recommends checking local pollen forecasts before and during your trip, and ensuring that you travel with trusted treatments, as availability can vary widely abroad.
Which popular destinations are hot spots for hayfever? When is the worst time to travel and can you access effective hayfever treatments abroad?
1. Spain (Costa del Sol & Balearics)
Pollen Situation: Spain's southern regions and islands like Mallorca and Ibiza can trigger allergies due to high grass, olive tree and weed pollen during late spring and summer. Olive pollen (April–June) is particularly potent, while grass pollen peaks in May–July.
Local Pollen Forecast Websites: Spain's National Pollen Network (REA)
Barcelona Dust Forecast Center
Click Idioma to select the English language version.
Recommended Products:
Treathay 120mg Tablets (Fexofenadine)
Opticrom Hayfever 2% Eye Drops
Beconase Hayfever Nasal Spray
2. Greece (Greek Islands & Mainland)
Pollen Situation: In Greece, grass pollen is common from May to July, with strong olive pollen levels in spring. Coastal breezes may help lower airborne pollen but inland areas often see higher levels.
Local Pollen Forecast Websites: Pollen Map for Greece pollencount.eu
IQAir Pollen Count Greece
Recommended Products:
Pirinase Hayfever Nasal Spray
Benadryl Allergy Relief Capsules
Becodefence Plus Nasal Spray
3. Italy (Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi)
Pollen Situation: Italy sees heavy tree pollen (birch, olive, cypress) in spring and strong grass pollen into summer. Tuscany and the Mediterranean coastlines can see varying pollen levels depending on altitude and inland proximity.
Local Pollen Forecast Websites: Italian Pollen Monitoring Network
ARPA – Regional Environmental Agencies
Recommended Products:
Otrivine Antistin Eye Drops
Allevia 120mg Tablets
4. France (South of France & Provence)
Pollen Situation: France's warm southern regions often experience long grass pollen seasons (May–July) and multiple tree pollen types including olive, cypress and plane tree. Provence's lavender fields are beautiful but may irritate sensitive hayfever sufferers.
Local Pollen Forecast Websites: Pollen Network France
Météo France
Recommended Products:
Cetirizine Hayfever Tablets
Clarityn Tablets (Loratadine)
5. Turkey (Mediterranean Coast & Istanbul)
Pollen Situation: Turkey's coastal resorts can experience elevated grass and tree pollen counts (oak, cypress, olive) peaking between May and July. Inland destinations may have higher allergen exposure due to drier climate and vegetation.
Local Pollen Forecast Websites: IQAir Turkey
European Pollen Index
Recommended Products:
Benadryl One a Day Tablets
Sterimar Hayfever & Allergy Relief Nasal Spray
Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray
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