Hay fever complaints drove a significant number of people to their GPs last week, according to the research institute Nivel. Latest figures show that 142 out of every 100,000 people visited a doctor for allergy symptoms. This marks a sharp increase from the previous week, which saw only 62 cases per 100,000 residents.
The current numbers far exceed those recorded in previous years. During the same week in 2025, GPs treated 92 patients per 100,000 for hay fever, while 89 sought help in the year before that. Warm, dry, and sunny weather typically increases pollen counts, triggering reactions in allergy sufferers. Last Wednesday, temperatures across much of the Netherlands exceeded 15°C, marking the first official spring day of the year. In Maastricht, the mercury hit 19.3°C, the highest temperature ever recorded in the country on 25 February. Below are a few practical tips to prevent the allergy and help with your symptoms
Practical prevention tips
- Monitor pollen counts: Check local forecasts and stay indoors on dry, windy days when counts peak.
- Create a barrier: Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around the inside of your nostrils to trap pollen before you inhale it.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses: This helps prevent micro-particles from irritating your eyes while outdoors.
- Shower and change: After spending time outside, wash your hair and change your clothes to remove any lingering allergens.
- Keep windows shut: This is especially important during early morning and evening when the “pollen rain” occurs as the air cools.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
