While pollen levels have so far remained moderate in Finland this summer, allergy symptoms should still be treated to prevent them from developing into a year-round problem, according to Katariina Ijäs, an expert at the Finnish Allergy, Skin and Asthma Federation.

Many people believe that allergies do not need treatment because they are expected to last only a few weeks, Ijäs said, adding that prolonged, untreated allergy symptoms such as congestion and a runny nose can develop into asthma.

While many people can manage with over-the-counter allergy medicines, those suffering from breathlessness should also take asthma medicine as a precaution.

The Norkko.fi website, which monitors airborne pollen levels in Finland, shows that the mugwort flowering season is currently underway, with its pollen count expected to rise from low to moderate.

Late summer pollen level spikes are usually caused by common reeds, whose flowers bloom in August. Its pollen counts tend to peak by lakes in particular.

Covid symptoms may be conflated with allergies

Especially as new variants spread, Covid symptoms can be easily conflated with allergy symptoms.

Typical signs of a pollen allergy include a runny nose, skin conditions such as itchy skin, as well as redness and watering of the eyes.

Symptoms such as a sore throat, muscle pain, and fatigue, on the other hand, are more likely to indicate an upper respiratory tract virus or Covid infection.

Allergy season can last almost all year

Ragweed, known in Central and Eastern Europe as a severely allergenic plant, can also cause allergy symptoms in Finland between August and the end of October, depending on air currents, according to the University of Turku.

Ragweed pollen has been detected as far away as Utsjoki, the northernmost municipality in Finland.

Hazel blooms in southern Germany in December, and its pollen can also reach Finland via air currents. Pollen season can therefore last throughout the year.