ATLANTA,None — Most metro Atlanta residents didn't need to know the official pollen count on Tuesday, they could tell the number has soared because of all the sneezing and sniffling.
The pollen count reached the extremely high range for the first time this year Tuesday, measuring 2,258 particles per cubic meter of air, according to the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic.
Pollen Count Soars To Extremely High Level
Birch, oak, ash and mulberry trees are the main source of the pollen.
"I'm allergic to almost everything in Georgia," Jacob Jesenski told Channel 2's John Bachman.
Jesenski is a patient at the clinic and suffers from pollen every spring.
"I'd be dealing with runny nose, itchy, and rash," said Jesenski, who has lived in Georgia for 10 years and now gets allergy shots to cope.
Dr. Judy Nam told Bachman the best way to avoid symptoms is to stay indoors.
"With the nice weather, breezy, dry air, the pollen count really shot up," Nam said.
She said some people, such as Jesenski, need the shots but others can do simple things to make this season bearable.
Nam suggests keeping car and house windows closed, showering at night and washing your hair. Nam told Bachman that pets can bring pollen inside, too.
The pollen count of 2,258 is not close to the high pollen count of 5,733 reached in March 2010.
Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologist David Chandley said pollen counts could continue to climb on Wednesday, but a round of rain could provide relief for some.
WSBTV
