Achoo! - Hazel and Alder Pollen Already Flying in Bavaria - Bavaria's pollen season arrives early, leaving allergy sufferers struggling

Unseasonably warm February weather has brought an early start to the pollen season in Bavaria. Hazel and alder pollen are already triggering allergies, affecting around 1.4 million hay fever sufferers across the region. Experts suggest climate change may be altering the usual timing and intensity of pollen release.

Over the past two decades, hazelnut and alder pollen in Bavaria have begun spreading earlier than before. Compared to the 1990s, their release now starts one to two weeks sooner, with higher overall concentrations. While warming temperatures are suspected to play a role, detailed long-term trend data for the region remains limited.

The state's electronic Pollen Information Network (ePIN) tracks pollen levels in real time. With eight monitoring stations, it updates counts every three hours. Residents can access this information via the free ePIN app, which also includes a pollen diary to help users track their symptoms.

Health officials advise those affected to seek medical advice if needed. Proper medication can help manage acute reactions like itchy eyes, sneezing, or a runny nose. However, the full impact of climate change on Bavaria's pollen seasons is still unclear, as the monitoring system's history is relatively short.

The early arrival of hazel and alder pollen has caught many allergy sufferers off guard. With 1.4 million people in Bavaria affected by hay fever, the shift in pollen timing could mean longer or more intense allergy periods ahead. For now, real-time tracking and medical guidance remain key for managing symptoms.