Overview
- Allergists say the 2026 season began unusually early with very high birch counts, which they link to a mild, dry March and longer-term warming.
- AOK Rheinland/Hamburg reports a jump of more than 50% in hay fever cases from early March versus 2025, and it warns that untreated allergy can develop into asthma.
- At work, a medical attestation can specify tasks or exposures to avoid, and employers must curb heavy pollen contact such as moving staff indoors or allowing closed windows.
- Severe symptoms can justify sick leave, and employers may not force employees to take antihistamines or undergo desensitization.
- Doctors and pharmacists advise newer, less-sedating antihistamines plus nasal and eye sprays for relief, with hyposensitization started outside the season for long-term gains and practical steps like pollen screens to cut exposure.