What is pollinating in July? Grasses, weeds and moulds in Szczecin

July is a transitional month in the allergy season. Grasses are slowly losing strength but still pollinate, weeds join them, and the concentration of moulds reaches some of the highest values of the year. For many allergy sufferers it is still a difficult time.

In brief

• Main allergens in July: grasses (past their peak), nettle, plantain, sorrel, and towards the end of the month the first mugwort.
• Moulds: Alternaria and Cladosporium in high concentrations.
• Typical symptoms: hay fever, sneezing, itchy eyes, cough, and in some people pollen-induced asthma.
• What helps: avoid meadows and wasteland on hot, windy days, air your home after rain, and take tests if you have symptoms.

What is pollinating in July

Grasses

Grasses are still the main allergen, although their concentration gradually falls after the June peak. They still cause classic hay fever, especially near meadows, lawns and unmown verges.

Nettle, plantain and sorrel

Herbaceous plants accompany grasses throughout the summer. Plantain and sorrel can be significant allergens; nettle is rather weak but very common.

The first mugwort

At the end of July mugwort begins to pollinate — the strongest weed allergen, which will be in full swing in August. People allergic to it may already feel the first symptoms then.

Moulds at their peak

July and August are the period of the highest concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium. Moulds trigger allergies especially on warm, humid days and around mown grass and rotting plants. The symptoms resemble pollen allergy but can be more persistent — with weakness and headaches. This is an important allergen for people with asthma.

How to ease symptoms in July

• Avoid meadows, wasteland and freshly mown grass on hot, windy days.
• Air your home after rain, and limit airing on dry days.
• Shower and change your clothes after coming home.
• Do not dry laundry outdoors.
• Consider a pollen filter in your car and an air purifier with a HEPA filter.

If summer symptoms come back every year, it is worth finding out whether you are allergic to grasses, weeds or moulds. At the AGAMED clinic in Szczecin we carry out allergy tests for a wide panel of allergens — painless, with the result right away. Every body reacts differently, so if your symptoms are severe it is also worth consulting an allergist.

Frequently asked questions

What pollinates the most in July?

Still grasses, although less than in June. They are accompanied by nettle, plantain, sorrel, and towards the end of the month mugwort. Concentrations of moulds are also high.

Can desensitisation be done in July?

We carry out desensitisation and tests all year round, but diagnostics themselves are best done outside the peak of symptoms. We will agree the details during the visit.

Why am I still sneezing even though the grass season is over?

The cause may be weeds (plantain, sorrel, the first mugwort) and the high concentration of moulds. Book tests: 519 055 858.