Very low humidity, high pollen

If you really want to clear the air in your home, Consumer Reports says an air purifier may help.

We often show you a graphic during our weather forecasts of pollen to let you know how bad it can get, and a lab at Edward Waters University is giving us even more data to work with.

Pollen typically becomes a problem earlier in Florida, and there's a reason behind it!

Dr. Brian Seymour is using a new device to monitor pollen concentration and provide early warnings to physicians and allergists. The study aims to not only alert people about high pollen content but also identify and address health disparities, particularly the high rate of asthma among African Americans. By analyzing pollen data and monitoring the environment, the research aims to find ways to decrease the prevalence of asthma in the community. Dr. Seymour's findings will be presented at the annual meeting of the national allergy bureau, with the hope of continuing the study and creating a pollen calendar for future predictions.

Record-breaking warm weather is leading to a longer pollen season, and for many, that means sneezing, coughing and an itchy throat.

The first official day of spring is roughly 2 weeks away but that hasn’t stopped seasonal allergies. With our pollen count on the rise, you’ve most likely reached for a tissue this week or rubbed your eyes.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This time last year, allergy season was in full swing. Dr. Sunil Joshi, an allergist at Family Allergy and Asthma Consultants, says the continuous cold weather will definitely push the start of allergy season back. With allergy season starting later, it will make the total season shorter. “Our tree pollen season typically ends by around Mother’s Day, or certainly by the end of May. Not to mention it’s important to know the difference between allergies and symptoms of the coronavirus.

Some doctors are questioning whether nasal sprays and nasal rinses are the best treatment for season allergy sufferers right now due to coronavirus concerns. Lately, the pollen count has been high throughout Northeast Florida, and those who suffer from allergies are likely feeling the effects. But while many people have been dealing with allergies, the new coronavirus has been declared a pandemic. Walker said allergy doctors would normally associate that symptom with allergies or sinus inflammation. RELATED | How to tell the difference between symptoms of allergies & COVID-19And while doctors often prescribe over-the-counter antihistamines to control nasal allergy symptoms, Walker said that they are now more hesitant about prescribing nasal sprays and saline rinses based on new medical reports out of France and Italy.

Continuous high pollen count leaves many people sneezing and coughingIf you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

And with the current COVID-19 outbreak, it’s important to know the difference between allergies and symptoms of the virus. “Of course right now everyone’s...thinking that something else might be going on, so that’s what’s making people even more concerned about it,” Dr. Joshi said. Seasonal allergies and symptoms of COVID-19 do have a few similarities, especially for asthma patients. “If you’re stuck inside your house and you’re worried about your seasonal allergies while inside your house, keep the windows closed,” Dr. Joshi said. Most importantly, those with seasonal allergies should keep up with medication that manages the symptoms.

The recent warm stretch this month brought along an unwelcome guest: pollen. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

Robert Sanford, who knows all about the pesky allergen as the nursery manager at Liberty Landscape Supply, told News4Jax that pine trees are producing the pollen right now. Pollen season usually doesn’t arrive until February, so now more people who suffer from allergies will suffer even longer. "They’re terrible and I’m itching my eyes all the time and that’s one of the things about the pollen.”So while pine trees are currently producing pollen, next on the list are cedar trees, which will produce pollen up until spring. The bad news: Trees normally produce pollen through April, so this is just the beginning. After cedar and pine trees, the hot summer months bring grass pollen.