Pollen levels could worsen allergies in these cities

If you suffer from allergies, the pollen in the air could make your symptoms worse this coming week, particularly if you live in Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Grass pollen levels are moderate to high in Cape Town and moderate in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Bloemfontein.

Johannesburg residents should also watch out for high tree pollen levels, which could trigger sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and other allergy symptoms.

In Cape Town, grass pollen remains a concern, while the monitoring station also recorded strong peaks of Alternaria, an allergenic mould, throughout the sampling week.

What allergy sufferers should watch out for

• Cape Town: Moderate to high grass pollen levels and strong Alternaria mould peaks could aggravate symptoms.
• Johannesburg: Moderate grass pollen and high tree pollen levels could trigger reactions.
• Pretoria: Grass pollen levels are expected to be moderate, while tree, weed and mould concentrations are likely to remain low.
• Bloemfontein: Pollen levels are low across all categories.
• Durban: Pollen levels are low, although fern spores and some mushroom-related mould spores were present.
• Gqeberha and George: Pollen and mould levels are low.
• Potchefstroom: Grass pollen levels are low, with low tree and weed concentrations.
• Kimberley: Pollen levels are expected to remain low, although the latest analysis was delayed by the public holida

How to reduce your exposure to pollen

If pollen or mould triggers your allergies, take a few precautions:

• Keep windows and doors closed when pollen levels are high.
• Shower and change your clothes after spending time outdoors.
• Avoid hanging washing outside when pollen levels are elevated.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce pollen exposure around your eyes.
• Follow your prescribed allergy treatment and speak to a healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen.

Remember that pollen levels differ from one city to another.

Pay attention to the conditions in your area and take precautions if you know which pollen types trigger your symptoms.