Pollen count has been forecast by the Met Office for all most parts of England including London, South East England, south west England, east England, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber, Wales and North East England which can expect very high levels of pollen. With high levels in North West England and Northern Ireland and mild conditions in Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and borders and Central, Tayside, Strathclyde and Fife. Grampian, Highland and Eileen Siar, Orkney and Shetland will experience low levels of pollen today.
The pollen allergy season seems to be continuing and becoming more intense as temperatures rise.
The faster the climate changes, the worse it gets for sufferers. For those who are feeling the symptoms of hay fever getting worse, Natalie Masters, Boots pharmacist offers advice for the upcoming hay fever season.
“You may have seen reports on rising pollen counts this weekend. If you’re a hay fever sufferer, don’t panic. When there’s more pollen in the air, your symptoms may worsen, but there are lots of steps you can take to alleviate these.
“Prevention is key, which means avoiding coming into contact with pollen in the first place.
Grassy areas are often best avoided and if you can, don’t spend time outdoors at the times when pollen counts are highest, typically the early morning and late afternoon and evening.
If you need to go outside, applying a petroleum jelly balm to the inside of your nostrils or using an allergy barrier nasal spray can help prevent pollen from entering your nostrils, whilst larger wraparound sunglasses can help stop pollen from irritating your eyes.
Spencer private hospital advices:
- Prepare for the upcoming hay fever season
- Don’t wait for symptoms to start, if necessary visit your GP now
- Dry your clothes indoors, and remember to keep your windows and doors shut at home
- Keep the car windows up
- Time your outdoor activities carefully
- Avoid stress
If the hay fever symptoms are becoming unbearable, Masters advises seeing a pharmacist to discuss the best anti-histamine tablets, hay fever eye drops or a suitable steroid nasal spray you could use.
“If you’ve been outdoors when the pollen count is high, make sure to shower and wash your hair once you get home to wash away any stray pollen particles.
“Regularly vacuuming and dusting your house with a damp cloth and washing and drying your clothes indoors may also help to keep your home a pollen-free zone. Importantly, try not to be worried or stressed about your hay fever.
“It has been claimed that hay fever can be exacerbated by this worrying and stressing so try to keep calm and consider different products and methods and hopefully you’ll soon find what works best for you.”
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