China has launched its first nationwide pollen concentration forecast service aimed at helping allergy sufferers, health authorities and medical institutions better prepare for seasonal pollen risks.

The service, jointly released by the National Health Commission and the China Meteorological Administration, provides weekly forecasts of allergenic pollen levels across the country and guidance on prevention during the spring and autumn pollen seasons.

"The nationwide pollen concentration forecast provides a scientific basis for people with allergies to respond to pollen risks in advance," said Chen Hui, deputy head of the administration's Public Meteorological Service Center.

Based on data from national and provincial pollen monitoring networks, the forecast service combines numerical weather prediction models and expert analysis. "The approach helps address gaps in previous pollen forecasts, which were often limited in geographic coverage or lacked continuous updates,"Chen said.

The weekly bulletin includes a national outlook for allergenic pollen concentrations over the coming week, a regional table showing pollen levels in different areas, and health guidance advising the public on protective measures, she added.

The launch comes as northern China enters a period of high pollen activity ahead of the upcoming Qingming Festival holiday, or Tomb Sweeping Day, when many people travel or take part in outdoor activities.

According to the latest forecast, most northern regions are expected to experience warmer temperatures and largely sunny conditions over the coming week, which favors the production and spread of pollen.

Pollen concentrations are forecast to reach high levels across much of North China and parts of Shandong, Henan and Shaanxi provinces in early April, while some areas may see very high pollen levels, which is defined as more than 800 grains per 1,000 square millimeters.

Spring pollen allergens in China are mainly produced by woody plants, Chen said.

Medical professionals advise people experiencing clear allergy symptoms to seek timely medical care and follow standardized treatment.

Wang Xueyan, director of the allergy department at Beijing Shijitan Hospital, said currently, most of northern China has entered peak pollen season.

"The main task during the pollen season is symptom control, while the best time for targeted treatment is the remission period after the pollen season," she said.

She advised that prevention is better than treatment. With proper protective measures and standardized medical care, allergy symptoms can be effectively controlled.

Experts say effective public alerts and preventive guidance can help reduce the incidence and severity of allergic diseases. Such measures may also lower the risk of extreme public health events such as thunderstorm-related asthma outbreaks.

According to Chen, the center will focus on expanding pollen monitoring networks nationwide and improving forecasting technology. Meteorological authorities will also strengthen cooperation with health, forestry and disease control departments to develop more precise health risk warning systems tailored to different pollen types and vulnerable populations.