When the levels of pollen in the air are higher, there is an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, a new Technical University of Munich (TUM) has found, published on the website Science Daily. The large-scale study determined that pollen is a significant environmental factor affecting infection rates – and that the rate of infection SARS-CoV-2 also increases as pollen rises in the air.
High pollen concentrations lead to weaker immune responses, because when pollen grains are inhaled with virus particles, fewer antiviral interferons are generated in the body and the body’s inflammatory response is affected, according to the study.
The study found that when no closure measures were taken, the infection rates were 4% higher for every additional 100 pollen grains per cubic meter of air.
In some German cities, pollen concentrations of up to 500 grains per cubic meter per day led to an increase in total infection rates of more than 20%.
The study was led by the fact that the outbreak of the coronavirus coincided with the tree pollen season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Researchers have advised high-risk groups to check pollen levels and wear dust filter masks to protect themselves.
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“When studying the distribution of SARS-CoV-2, environmental factors such as pollen should be considered,” said study author Athanasios Damialis. “Increased awareness of these effects is an important step in preventing and mitigating the impact of Covid-19.”