Why hay fever is hitting eastern Australia earlier than usual
Some people in Australia's eastern states are reporting hay fever symptoms earlier than normal due to increased plant growth.
Satellite images show more vegetation growth during late winter and early spring explains why. More plant growth means earlier flowering and more pollen production.
Western Australia is growing vegetation slower due to lower rainfall. Grass pollen causes most seasonal hay fever, affecting nearly one in four Australians.
Trees release pollen early in the season, then grasses and weeds. Spring rainfall over the next weeks will decide how severe the season becomes.
- Nearly one in four Australians
- Hay fever prevalence
- Grass pollen
- Primary pollen allergen
- Eastern Australia
- Region affected
Why it mattersPeople with hay fever need to prepare earlier this year. Spring weather will determine how intense symptoms get.
AustraliaThe one-in-four Australians with hay fever should expect symptoms to start sooner than historical patterns and be ready with medication.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 47 d ago
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