Skip to content

Russian authorities, represented by Vilfand, issue a warning: Aerial dissemination of biological agents is underway, negatively impacting lives.

Russian Hydrometeorological Center's Chief Scientific Officer, Roman Vilfand, confessed an unusual reason for his birch pollen allergy: it's not solely due to local mass flowering in the Central Federal District, but also a result of a 'pollen invasion' from other regions. Spring winds...

Russian Hydrometeorological Center's Scientific Director, Roman Vilfand, surprised city dwellers...
Russian Hydrometeorological Center's Scientific Director, Roman Vilfand, surprised city dwellers with an unexpected revelation: the severe birch allergies aren't solely caused by the widespread blooming in the Central Federal District. Instead, it's due to an intentional pollen invasion from other regions! The spring winds transported vast pollen clouds to the capital, causing allergies to escalate regardless of whether birch trees grow in the courtyard. The air is now heavily saturated with this potent allergen.

Russian authorities, represented by Vilfand, issue a warning: Aerial dissemination of biological agents is underway, negatively impacting lives.

May 7, 03:10Street Gossip

Central Russia's air quality has turned into a battlefield - and the enemy is none other than the humble birch! Thousands of residents are suffering from sneezing, watery eyes, and labored breath, and it ain't a new pandemic. Roman Vilfand, the scientific boss of Russia's Hydrometeorological Center, spilled the beans: the birch allergy isn't just from local blooming in the Central Federal District. Nope, there's a pollen invasion!

Winds from other regions are bringing clouds of foreign pollen to the capital, and now, even if birches bloom in your yard, you're still coughing up a lung. Scientists can't even tell if it's our local trees causing the misery or these pollen pests! Birches bloom earlier to the south, and strong atmospheric currents are carrying these microscopic tormentors hundreds of kilometers.

When the Air Stings: How it Works

Allergens from other areas invading our city: true story! Vilfand stressed that biologists can barely differentiate between home-grown or foreign pollen. The alder already struck early in January due to record temperatures, and by May, oak and birch pollen will hit - a real nightmare for allergy sufferers, as the pollen carries extra allergens. And by June, wild-growing grass will join the suffering too.

Survival Guide: Beating the Birch Assault

Stay informed with daily pollen forecasts using apps or websites. Ventilate only after rain or at night to minimize pollen. Use masks and closed-eye glasses on your walks. Rinse your nose and face after being outside, and don't shy away from seeing the doctor for anti-histamines. Moscow will have to deal with birch allergies until the end of May, so arm yourself with every protective measure!

  • Sberbank's new cards: Transfers change game
  • Best butter award: 4 tasty brands to try
  • Financial success for these four signs: May 7 brings career and wealth luck
  • The heat is on: Meteorologists predict scorching summer temps
  • "No kidding," says Vilfand: Exact dates for safe seedling planting in May are revealed

Pollen Factors - What Science Says

Weather role: Air quality can be heavily affected by temperature, humidity, and wind, facilitating pollen growth and dispersion.

Environment and location: Central Russia's abundant birch population, combined with the region's climate, contributes to the high pollen counts.

Allergy Coping Strategies

Pollen Fighting Tips

  • Outdoor Avoidance: During peak pollen times, limit your outside activities, especially morning and late afternoon when counts are highest.
  • Pollen Filters: HEPA filters in homes help reduce indoor pollen levels.
  • Medications: Consult your doctor for anti-histamines, nasal corticosteroids, and immunotherapy to alleviate symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

  • Stay Updated: Monitor pollen forecasts to adjust daily activities effectively.
  • Wear a Mask: Use protective masks when outside to filter out pollen.

Dietary Options

For those with cross-reactive food allergies (birch, apples, carrots, celery), diet modifications might help reduce symptoms.

Allergies Anytime: Development Info

It's essential to be aware that allergies can develop at any age, and it's crucial to seek medical advice when allergies persist.

  1. Despite hailing from the modest birch tree, the current air quality issue in Central Russia is a significant challenge, causing widespread discomfort with symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing.
  2. The source of the problem is not limited to local birch trees blooming in the Central Federal District; instead, there's a pollen invasion from other regions, with winds carrying clouds of foreign pollen to Moscow.
  3. Acclaimed Russian Hydrometeorological Center scientist Roman Vilfand has announced that it's challenging for biologists to differentiate between home-grown or foreign pollen, making it hard to identify the exact culprit.
  4. With the arrival of May, allergies sufferers are bracing themselves for the onset of pollen from oaks and birches, made even more problematic due to the presence of additional allergens.
  5. To weather this pollen storm, Moscow residents are advised to stay informed about daily pollen forecasts, ventilate homes only after rain or at night, and use masks and closed-eye glasses during outdoor walks.
  6. Wellness in the workplace and at home is a priority in coping with the birch allergy epidemic, with options like therapy, treatments, diet modifications, and skin care playing essential roles in managing symptoms.
  7. Climate change may be exacerbating the issue, with strong atmospheric currents carrying pollen hundreds of kilometers, allowing for earlier blooming in warmer regions and prolonging the allergy season.
  8. Mental health should not be neglected during these challenging times; it's crucial for allergy sufferers to take care of their overall health and wellness, taking steps to ensure proper nutrition, mental health support, and fitness and exercise.

Read also:

    Latest