She's got Hayfever

I thought Los Angelenos were ponses because everyone kept bleating on about their allergies. I even went to one workshop where the facilitator said that none of the participants were allowed to wear cologne or perfume. What the?

I'd been surprised at how paranoid they were about germs, bugs, flu etc to the point where many casting directors will not shake hands with auditioning actors for fear of picking up something.

The whole time I've been here, I've been thinking these people are too precious for their own good. That was until this week. I started to get flu-like symptoms a couple of weeks back, them my body started aching and the sneezing began. The flu never materialised and I realised, I've had this sensation several times before since I've been here.

It suddenly dawned on me, I think I've got hayfever. For the first time in my life, I'm experiencing... allergies.

I mentioned it to my friend who's a long-term LA dweller and she said that many people here suffer as a result of the appaulling polution.

She said that as you fly in, you can see this thin layer of fug that hangs over the city (both my flights have been at night so I've never noticed that). She also added for good measure that mortitians often report that the lungs of many LA folk are black from the filth in the air.

Bloody hell, I thought. Now what. I HATE taking pills for mild ailments and prefer to deal with these things either with herbal remedies or by changing my diet.

So now, follow a bit of research on-line, I'm currently on Echinachea, a nettle suppliment, grapefruit juice, cammomile tea and lots and lots of water. My friend also advised me to cut out dairy.

The worst thing is the fatigue. Hayfever is a brand new experience for me (and I'm acting like I'm the first person who's ever had it). When you want to get on with your day you can't because you feel like death warmed up. I'll see how the natural methods work but if there's no joy, it's off to Rite Aid for me!