Climate change and its effects have significantly increased the number of allergy sufferers. According to the World Allergy Organization, over 400 million people now suffer from a pollen allergy globally, creating a very large market for allergy remedies. People who suffer from allergies are looking for relevant information they can trust to manage their symptoms. In particular, they’re looking for personal insights that adjust to their individual needs, sensitivities, and locations. The Pollen API, now generally available, can be helpful to businesses in many industries, including the pharmaceutical industry.
Providing personalized experiences is very important for individuals looking to proactively manage their symptoms. Pharmaceutical companies can help by providing helpful info and offering a more holistic, data-based approach to self-managed allergy treatment. By leveraging our now generally available Pollen API, pharmaceutical companies can cultivate personalized experiences that are incredibly valuable for their allergy medication customers. By delivering hyperlocal pollen levels, detailed plant information, and heatmap visualizations of pollen levels, they can tailor treatment options and services to meet individual exposure and pollen sensitivity.
Integrating pollen data into branded companion apps
One way allergy medication brands create meaningful relationships with their customers is via companion apps - digital tools strategically designed to complement pharmaceutical products or services.
These apps can help users identify the pollen plant/type and index level which triggers their allergy symptoms over time. This allows for more informed allergy management and increases the usefulness of the product or service being offered, while nurturing engagement with the brand. Additionally, brand trust is built by allowing people to distinguish between grass, weed, and tree pollen to identify their specific triggers, showing a commitment to their well-being and a preventative approach to reduce symptoms. This type of personalization leads to earlier intervention, precise diagnoses, and more efficient treatment options. By using pollen data and insights to create valuable user experiences, pharmaceutical companies enhance their reputation as leaders in the allergy treatment industry.
Personalized pollen alertsTo be most effective, many allergy medications need to be taken before symptoms start. Pharmaceutical companion apps can ensure individuals take their medication at the right time by providing alerts triggered by forecasted pollen counts. By providing live and forecast pollen reporting at a spatial resolution of 1km, available through the Pollen API, users can take a proactive approach that significantly enhances allergy symptom management.
In addition, personalized pollen index level alerts can help allergy sufferers know when to take precautions, like staying indoors or turning on their air purifier. The reporting method utilized by our Pollen API leverages multiple data sources including land cover maps, satellite imagery, weather information, and monitoring station data, so users can come to rely on these alerts wherever they are planning their day or week. For example, they might see a message that provides a short summary of location-based pollen information and recommendations when they open the app, “Good news! Very low pollen levels. Today is a good day for outdoor activities.”
Data-based education for improved allergy management
Using our Pollen API, companies can create a variety of experiences to help their customers and build loyalty to their allergy medication brand, including the development of a comprehensive educational center.
With the detailed pollen allergen information the Pollen API provides, pharmaceutical companies can build out education centers allowing allergy sufferers to learn more about pollen allergens including their shape, color, and cross reactions (other allergens they could also be allergic to). They can use color-coded map overlays to avoid triggers during outdoor activities and get tips on how to cope with different allergens. They can even explore pollen season calendars by allergen type that show what a typical allergy season might look like at the user’s location. These experiences promote active engagement and a greater likelihood of long-term commitment.
Hiking route recommendations based on pollen levels
Enhance your customer experience with our Pollen API
Pollen data can be a valuable asset for both individuals and pharmaceutical companies. The API provides access to actionable, real-time information that empowers allergy sufferers to manage their symptoms and take control of their well-being. Using our Pollen API data, heatmap, and insights in companion apps can help allergy treatment brands build strong, lasting relationships with the people who use them.
The now generally available Pollen API is part of Google Maps Platform’s new suite of environment products which aims to support the development of sustainability experiences that help people adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
To learn more, check out our Pollen API webpage, to get started visit the documentation.
Pollen API offers real time local pollen data and detailed forecasts broken down by specific pollen types and species to the enterprise customers. It doesn't process health data or personalize for the customers' end users.
