As spring arrives, a familiar seasonal pattern is emerging across Germany: a surge in allergy-related complaints, particularly eye irritation. Alongside this, doctors are reporting a continued high number of patients presenting with fever, especially among children. Data from the Kassenärztliche Bereitschaftsdienst, the country’s medical on-call service, shows that fever was the most common reason for calls in calendar week 10, with 8,978 reported cases – representing 7.8 percent of all calls.
While concerns about influenza are easing – with a 38.8 percent decrease in reported symptoms – cases of conjunctivitis and other eye irritations are on the rise. The service recorded a 24.5 percent increase in calls related to eye redness compared to the previous week, jumping from 2,411 cases in calendar week 9 to 3,002.
The increase in eye irritation is closely linked to the start of the pollen season. Officially, meteorological spring began on March 1st and the days are now lengthening rapidly – gaining 3 to 4 minutes of daylight each day, according to the Deutscher Wetterdienst (German Meteorological Service). Milder temperatures, with highs reaching between 8 and 16 degrees Celsius, are also contributing to the early bloom. The Stiftung Deutscher Polleninformationsdienst (German Pollen Information Service) reports that pollen counts are noticeably increasing, particularly from hazel and alder trees.
The Deutscher Wetterdienst notes that watery and itchy eyes are common consequences of pollen exposure, with the severity of symptoms directly related to pollen concentration in the air. According to Gesundheitsinformation.de, symptoms are often worse on dry, warm days. The federal health portal, gesund.bund.de, explicitly lists pollen as a potential trigger for allergic conjunctivitis, characterized by redness, itching, and tearing.
Fever Remains Prevalent, Especially in Children
Fever continues to be a dominant symptom reported to medical services, particularly affecting children. The AOK health insurance fund explains that fever is often a normal immune response to infection, where the body raises its internal temperature to better combat viruses, and bacteria. Children in daycare and school are particularly susceptible to new pathogens, and common childhood illnesses and respiratory infections frequently present with fever. This explains the seasonal increase in reported cases, which is often a sign of a developing immune response rather than a more serious illness.
Pollen Season and Eye Irritation: A Growing Concern
The rise in eye irritation is a clear indicator of the impact of the changing seasons. The increase in pollen levels is triggering allergic reactions in many individuals. The Stiftung Deutscher Polleninformationsdienst’s weekly forecast highlights the increasing pollen load in several regions, driven by sunny weather and mild air masses.
What to Do If You’re Experiencing Symptoms
If you are experiencing symptoms of fever or eye irritation, it’s important to consult with a doctor if you have concerns. The Patientenservice 116 117 is available for medical advice. The Telefonseelsorge (telephone counseling service) offers free and confidential support 24/7 at 0800 / 111 0 111 and 0800 / 111 0 222.
Looking ahead, health officials will continue to monitor the trends in both fever cases and pollen counts. The next report from the Kassenärztliche Bereitschaftsdienst, expected in the coming weeks, will provide further insight into the evolving health landscape as spring progresses. Staying informed about pollen forecasts and practicing preventative measures can help individuals manage allergy symptoms effectively.
Disclaimer: This article provides general health information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
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