<p>During the pandemic, pollen may be nothing to sneeze at.<br>Scientists from the American Institute of Physics in Maryland noticed a correlation between coronavirus infection rates and pollen concentrations.<br>Pollen grains can carry hundreds of viral particles at a time, with trees alone releasing up to 1,500 grains per cubic meter during peak hay fever season.<br>To learn more, the scientists used a computer model to mimic how pollen moves from a willow tree.<br>Results – published in the journal Physics of Fluids – suggest airborne grains may contribute to the spread of the coronavirus, particularly in a crowded place.<br>In the UK, willow's pollen season generally lasts from early March to mid May. Oak, pine and lime trees continue to release the allergen throughout June and July, however.</p>
