ATLANTA — If the sound of sniffles wasn’t enough of a clue, it’s officially pollen season in Georgia. It’s also here earlier than usual.
On Tuesday, Atlanta Allergy & Asthma’s 1,112 pollen count is the first time this year that the count hit quadruple digits. In 2022, the pollen count didn’t top 1,000 in the high range until March 30.
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Atlanta Allergy & Asthma says Tuesday is also the third highest count it has ever recorded in February. On Feb. 19, 2019, the count reached 1,126.
There have been a total of 14 days in the high range (90 to 1,499) in February, the most in recent history for the month.
“They are way up in the high range. It’s mainly a result of our trees. This is the time of year when we start to the see the pollen increase. But this is earlier than we normally see it,” Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon says.
Part of the earlier start is the warm temperatures that Georgia has experienced this winter.
Since Dec. 1, Deon says there have been only 17 days with highs in the 40s or cooler compared to 49 days with highs in the 60s or warmer.
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Tree pollen season typically runs from late February to June. The metro Atlanta area typically sees the most extreme numbers around March or April.
Channel 2′s Linda Stouffer asked allergy doctors about spring allergies starting early for Channel 2 Action News This Morning,
“If you’re inhaling something that you’re allergic to, not only can it trigger nasal symptoms, but it can actually trigger asthma type symptoms, as well,” said Dr. Erinn Gardner with Atlanta Allergy & Asthma.
Gardner recommends over-the-counter medicines for mild symptoms. She added that getting tested is key for the best treatments.
Once the “extremely high” pollen days start later in spring, allergy experts say trying to limit your exposure to allergens can help.
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