When pollen levels in the air are higher, there is an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, a new study from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has found, published on the Science Daily website. The large-scale study determined that pollen is a significant environmental factor that influences infection rates – and that as pollen levels in the air increase, so do SARS-CoV-2 infection rates.
High pollen concentrations lead to weaker immune responses, because if pollen grains are inhaled with virus particles, less antiviral interferons are generated in the body and the body’s inflammatory response is affected, according to the study.
The study found that when there were no blocking measures, infection rates were 4% higher for every 100 additional pollen grains per cubic meter of air.
In some German cities, pollen concentrations of up to 500 grains per cubic meter per day have increased overall infection rates by more than 20%.
The study was motivated by the fact that the coronavirus outbreak appeared to coincide with the tree pollen season in the northern hemisphere.
The researchers reported that high-risk groups check pollen levels and use dust filter masks to protect themselves.
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“When studying the spread of SARS-CoV-2, environmental factors such as pollen should be taken into account,” said the study’s author, Athanasios Damialis. “Raising awareness of these effects is an important step in preventing and mitigating the impact of Covid-19.”