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It hasn’t rained in weeks, but before that it rained all the more: perfect conditions for the grass pollen.
Anyone who has hay fever suffers particularly badly this year. This is confirmed by Bettina Ravazzolo from «aha! Allergy Center Switzerland»: «The readings of the grass pollen are very high. We have strong to very strong exposure levels across the country.”
Many inquiries from allergy sufferers
It hasn’t rained in weeks, but before that it rained all the more: perfect conditions for the grass pollen. The «aha! Allergy Center” is currently receiving many inquiries from those affected who have severe symptoms and have been suffering for a longer period of time.
If the symptoms are not treated, there is a risk that asthma will develop over time
Record levels of pollen count
Meteo Schweiz is responsible for the national pollen measurement network. Meteo Schweiz confirmed the extreme pollen year to the SRF consumer magazine “Espresso”: In many places, the measured values would scratch the record marks. The beautiful and dry weather ensured that the plants were able to produce a lot of pollen and release it into the air.
The conditions for the grass were perfect this year, says Regula Gehrig from Meteo Schweiz: “The long period with lots of sun and no rain is very unusual.” Of course there have also been phases with high grass pollen levels in the past,” says Gehrig. “But now that period is really, really long.”
Wind also spreads grass pollen
Something else contributes to the current pollen situation: on the one hand, the spring was so wet that the farmers could not mow the grass for a long time. On the other hand, the wind also plays a major role, spreading the pollen far and wide.
But the worst is probably over, says Regula Gehrig from Meteo Schweiz: “We are still expecting high pollen concentrations in the next few days, but the trend is slowly decreasing. Many grasses have already withered and the meadows are being mowed.”
Symptom management important to prevent asthma
Bettina Ravazzolo from the aha! Swiss Allergy Center. “If you don’t treat the symptoms, there is a risk that asthma will develop over time.”