It is a challenge to get through a long Canadian winter, but not everyone enjoys what comes with spring. About ten to 20 per cent of Canadians will suffer from mould allergies and allergic rhinitis (hayfever) as the snow melts and exposes a fungus that grows on grass or dead organic matter.
The fungus thrives when the soil surface temperature approaches 0C and the snow starts to melt. This happens at different times every year, depending on the weather and it varies from province to province. Flare-ups can occur if there are repeated snowfalls.
Symptoms range from coughing, nasal congestion and burning or itching eyes.
The mould gets washed away with rain and dies in higher temperatures. But then the grass starts to grow and the trees blossom, and some people are allergic to that too. Sigh.
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