Oak pollen climbing in Northeast Florida

Jacksonville, FL — You may be used to seeing your car covered in yellow pine pollen, but it’s a pollen that’s invisible to the naked eye that is now starting to cause literal headaches.

Action News Jax Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh says oak pollen is now at high levels. Traditionally, the season runs from February through May, although Mike says this year’s season could end earlier because it started earlier than normal.

Oak pollen is a big problem specifically in Northeast Florida, according to Family Allergy and Asthma Consultants President Sunil Joshi.

“Just look outside the window, you’re going to see hundreds of oak trees, and the pollen is so small you can’t actually see it with the naked eye,” Joshi says.

He says oak pollen can travel hundreds of miles, so even if you don’t have trees in your immediate area, you are still in for a rough few weeks. Periods of rain may mean a few hours where you can enjoy the outdoors, but Joshi says sustained relief is some time away.

To try to ease your suffering, he says there are obvious steps, like keeping the windows to your home and car closed. You should also consider the steps you take in your daily routine.

“Get in the habit of taking nighttime showers, so that you can get rid of the pollen off of your hair and your eyebrows and your face, and change in to that new pair of clothes before you go to bed at night,” Joshi says.

He says there are other trees that blossom this time of year as well, including hickory and maple, but oak causes the most widespread problem.