This year, the hay fever season has started early in the UK, and a very high pollen count is currently affecting much of the country.
What can trigger hay fever?
The NHS warns of several big triggers that can lead to worsening hay fever. They offer the following advice:
Potential hay fever triggers
- Do not cut grass or walk on grass
- Do not spend too much time outside
- Do not keep fresh flowers in the house
- Do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse
- Do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen
Tips if you have hayfever
- Your local high street pharmacy can help with advice and over the counter medicine around hayfever.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.
- Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off.
- Stay indoors whenever possible and keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
- Do not cut or walk on grass or keep fresh flowers in the house.
- Do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse.
- Do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen.
- Visit nhs.uk to find out what you can do to ease your hay fever symptoms.