Overview
- Official maps from Germany’s weather service show very high pollen levels across large areas, with birch now the main driver according to the DWD’s ICON-ART forecast.
- An international Lancet Countdown analysis finds tree pollen seasons now start 1–2 weeks earlier and are up to 15–20% stronger across Europe, with northern Germany, France, Britain and olive regions such as Spain and Turkey among hotspots.
- More than 12 million people in Germany are affected, doctors report earlier and stronger symptoms with some cases progressing to asthma, and severe allergy flares can warrant sick leave.
- Public agencies and health outlets urge simple steps to cut exposure, including using DWD and app alerts, timing outdoor activity, wearing masks, adding window filters, showering at night and keeping bedrooms pollen-free.
- Specialists recommend testing and disease‑modifying immunotherapy, now available as tablets or nasal sprays, and note that pollen can inflame skin while histamine‑rich foods and cross‑reactions may worsen symptoms.