Has hay fever season started early? And what’s the most common culprit?

BLUF

Australia’s 2026 pollen season appears to have started early in eastern states due to strong vegetation growth. Pollen triggers allergies and asthma, while rainfall, climate patterns and plant growth influence season timing and severity.

Learning Outcomes 

• Describe how pollen triggers hay fever symptoms and asthma in susceptible individuals through the body’s immune response.
• Explain how vegetation growth, rainfall, and climate patterns influence the timing and severity of pollen seasons across Australia.
• Evaluate strategies for managing hay fever, including pollen forecasting tools, medications, and immunotherapy treatments.