Two hospitals have started a trial using two automatic “pollen poles”, giving hayfever sufferers up-to-date warnings about the kind of pollen they will have to protect themselves from.

The poles, situated on the roofs of Leiden’s teaching hospital and the Elkerliek hospital in Helmond, can identify the type of pollen in real time.

Formerly, pollen warnings were based on an analysis of pollen counts in the preceding week, which meant the information could be out of date.

The new warning system can prevent hayfever sufferers’ allergies from taking hold because they can take medication or wear sunglasses, or a mask in time.

The researchers will be comparing the old method to the new in the next two years, and if the new method is successful, the poles will be installed in more places across the country.

The trial is “a first step to significantly improve the lives of people who suffer from allergies,” allergy expert Richard Oei told broadcaster NOS.

The current hayfever season has started early this year because the unseasonally warm and dry weather is keeping the pollen in the air for longer, he said.