If you’re a hay fever sufferer and have been struggling over the past few days, that’s because the pollen count has been ‘very high’ as a heatwave hit the UK.
Here are some things you can do to help cope with the annoying symptoms that come with the allergy. Plus, things to avoid doing.
As temperatures soared to above 30 degrees in some areas of the UK, the Met Office recorded ‘very high’ pollen levels. These are set to remain across the weekend and only reduce to ‘high’ and ‘medium’ by the beginning of next week.
The warm, humid and windy weather has appeared to attract pollen.
What are hay fever symptoms?
According to the NHS, hay fever symptoms include sneezing, coughing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red or watery eyes, itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears, loss of smell, headaches and fatigue.
Ways to cope with hay fever symptoms
The NHS suggests putting Vaseline around your nostrils to trap the pollen. Wearing wraparound sunglasses can also prevent the pollen from getting into your eyes.
If you’ve been outdoors, be sure to shower and change your clothes to wash the pollen away. When you’re indoors, it is helpful to keep the windows and doors shut. If you’re travelling, you can buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car.
What not to do
The NHS warns not to spend too long outside when pollen is high. Don’t keep fresh flowers inside and avoid cutting the grass. Drying clothes and bedding outside can catch pollen and pets can also carry pollen back indoors with them.
Experts have recently suggested avoiding using fans which can circulate pollen in rooms.
Check the pollen forecast each day on the Met Office website or through your local weather report.
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