Where do we get those numbers and what do they mean? Well, we don't measure pollen instantaneously like we measure the temperature or wind. In other words, we can't get a reading by merely sticking a pollen counter out the window for a few seconds! We actually have to "collect" the pollens over a 24 hour period. When you watch our allergy information or look at the count on the web, look at the bottom of the screen. We always show you the date for when the 24 hour collection ends so you can know exactly what day the count was collected. A trained allergist then counts -- by hand -- the number of pollens and spores found under the microscope. Our Pollen Count displays the top four "villains." Keep in mind, precipitation contaminates the collection so we may not have the exact count from a rainy day.

The Allergy Forecast, on the other hand, gives you a more general picture of what we think the allergic reaction level will be in the days to come due to changes in the potency of allergy-causing agents. We use factors such as current pollen trends, historical pollen records, and the weather forecast (especially winds and temperature.) If we expect a sharp rise in moisture, for example, mold levels are expected to rise. A dramatic drop in temperatures, conversly, typically leads to a drop in pollens.

Pollen Count provided as a courtesy of Austin Allergy Associates in central Austin and Dr. Kim T. Hovanky, M.D., in Georgetown. Count updated weekdays, and Allergy Forecast updated daily.

Mold:

		0 - 6,499 Low
		6,500 - 12,999 Moderate
		13,000 - 49,999 High
		>50,000 Very High

Grass:

		0 – 4 Low
		5 - 19 Moderate
		20 - 199 High
		>200 Very High

Tree:

		0 - 14 Low
		15 - 89 Moderate
		90 – 1,499 High
		>1,500 Very High

Weed:

		0 - 9 Low
		10 - 49 Moderate
		50 – 499 High
		>500 Very High