What is a pollen count?
To a tree or a flowering plant, pollen is necessary for life. But to millions of Americans, it is a source of seasonal misery.
A pollen count is the measurement of the number of grains of pollen in a cubic meter of air. High pollen counts can sometimes lead to increased rates of allergic reactions for those with allergic disorders.
Pollen, a fine to coarse powdery substance, is created by certain plants as part of their reproduction process. It can appear from trees in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall. Interestingly, pollen from flowers doesn’t usually contribute to nasal allergy symptoms.
Pollen in the air can trigger sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, and other cold-like symptoms. Seasonal allergies – also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever – may affect nearly one in six Americans.1
Research suggests that weather changes can affect allergy symptoms. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and thunderstorms, have been associated with outbreaks of allergic asthma, especially in patients suffering from pollen allergy.2
What does pollen count tell you?
It tells you how much pollen is in the air that day.
If you're allergic, a low count means you can go outside and not have too many symptoms. A high count means you could risk an allergy attack if you don’t stay indoors.
Keep track of the pollen count for help planning your day, so you’re not outside when a lot of the sneezy stuff is floating around. You can see the daily pollen count at the top of our website.
How pollen counts work:
First, it’s important to understand how pollen counts are obtained.
Most pollen counters are placed on the tops of buildings, where they collect air samples through various methods. The pollen in the air lands on some type of surface, such as a glass microscope slide that has been coated with petroleum jelly. A person trained in pollen identification examines the slide under a microscope, and the amounts of different types of pollen are counted.
Calculations are then made that estimate how much pollen is present in the air, based on the amount of pollen on the slide collected over a specified period of time. Levels of pollen (low, medium, or high) are reported based on averages of pollen collected over the years.
5 Facts About Pollen Count
1. Your pets can get hay fever.
Yes, like us, our cats and dogs can get hay fever. If you think your pet might have hay fever or would like help identifying it, take a look at how pollen allergies affect you and your pets page to see what you can do to help.
2. The pollen season lasts longer than you may think.
The pollen season can start as early as January and end as late as November. Our pollen forecast is now live, click to find the latest Pollen forecast.
3. Rain can be bad news for hay fever sufferers.
It helps the grass grow well, and if it's followed by dry weather, there will be higher levels of pollen.
4. Air quality and pollen.
Urban areas tend to have lower pollen counts than the countryside, but pollen can combine with air pollution in the city center and bring on hay fever symptoms. It’s not just in the summer months either; it can peak as early as April and May.
5. Alcohol worsens the effects of pollen.
Beer, wine, and other spirits can increase nasal congestion and contain histamine - the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms in the body.
Tips to Manage Your Allergies
Shower after being outdoors: To remove pollen you pick up outside, take a shower and change your clothes.
Minimize indoor pollen: Keep your windows shut and use your AC or a HEPA purifier to filter allergens.
Check the Weather: Learn when conditions such as the wind increase pollen levels, so you can prepare.
Know your allergy relief options: From antihistamines, allergy shots, and nasal sprays, talk to your doctor about your options.