The French are still too many to ignore the major impact that an allergy can have on the quality of life. It is to promote early treatment that French Allergy Day (JFA) on March 22 is dedicated to raising public awareness.
“Allergy is a hypersensitivity of the body to substances, called allergens, generally harmless and present in the environment”, recalls the Asthma and Allergies Association. However, the effects of allergies are not trivial and can even have serious consequences on daily life. “According to a study, 41% of patients with allergic rhinitis (or hay fever, editor’s note) say they give up social, sporting, leisure and professional activities because of their allergies”, illustrates the association.
Fight against therapeutic wandering
Unfortunately, as shown by a survey carried out with Ifop, 14% of French people are convinced that it is a benign disease. And only 28% recognize that it is a daily handicap. Not to mention that the French underestimate the therapeutic wandering of allergy. They are 71% to ignore that it is necessary to wait on average 7 years between the appearance of the first allergic symptoms and the consultation of an allergist. However “it is by treating your allergy as quickly as possible that we control the impact it will have on daily life or that we avoid, for example, that allergic rhinitis evolves into asthma”, recalls Asthma and Allergies.
This is why it is important to take the allergy seriously at the first symptoms and to act. “Acting for allergy sufferers means taking control of their allergy as soon as possible by consulting a specialist who can diagnose the source of the problem and prescribe the right treatment”, specifies Dorian Cherioux, vice-president representing patients of the Asthma association. & Allergies.
On the occasion of JFA 2022, several actions are planned for March 22:
- An exceptional chat from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., relayed on www.asthma-allergies.org, which will allow French people to ask questions and discuss live with allergy specialists;
- An awareness campaign conducted on social networks, in partnership with influencers who are allergic or concerned by this theme;
- A radio campaign and chronicles accessible on a dedicated SoundCloud channel;
- Educational and useful information on the site from the Association.
The Asthma & Allergies association can also be reached throughout the year to provide advice, support and guidance to the public via the toll-free number 0 800 19 20 21 and on social networks.