Hayfever sufferers struggle as pollen peaks in high winds

Windy conditions around the country are adding to the problems of grass sensitive people as pollen, particularly bad at this time of year, is spread around, the MetService says.

Pollen directly affected about 20 per cent of the population through allergy -- hayfever -- and asthma.

The problem was particularly bad at this time of year as pollen from grasses was released, the statement said.

"The windy conditions the country has experienced recently has helped to spread the pollen wide and far.

"Pollen is very mobile in the air and travels long distances when carried along in the wind."

The grass season generally rose to a peak about Christmas and then usually declined rapidly in the early New Year as the grasses went to seed.

MetService worked with Massey University research scientist David Fountain to produce a daily pollen forecast, which could be checked on the MetService's website.

- NZPA