No action required. Pollen levels pose no risk to allergy sufferers.
< 20% of pollen allergy sufferers will experience symptoms. Known seasonal allergy sufferers should commence preventative therapies e.g. nasal steroid sprays.
> 50% of pollen allergy sufferers will experience symptoms. Need for increased use of acute treatments e.g. non-sedating antihistamines.
> 90% of pollen allergy sufferers will experience symptoms. Very allergic patients and asthmatics should limit outdoor activities and keep indoor areas free from wind exposure. Check section on pollen and day-to-day weather changes for planning activities.
These levels are potentially very dangerous for pollen allergy sufferers, especially asthmatics. Outdoor activities should be avoided.
There is currently no data available for this period.
SAPNET has set up monitoring sites in major cities and smaller towns across a variety of climates and ecosystems. Core sites include Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, and Gqeberha. Over the years, the network has also monitored in additional locations such as Potchefstroom, Calvinia, George, Vanderbijlpark, Ermelo, Upington, Springbok, and Sharpeville.
Our goal is to have at least one site in every province and ecological region.
Bermuda grass must be tested separately when patients undergo grass sensitivity tests because it does not cross-react as most other grasses do. It grows most happily in sandy soil and releases most pollen in late summer but it may be seen throughout the year.
