Hay fever is here again

Spring has sprung!

It's lighter and sunnier - when it's not raining - and our landscapes are looking a little more alive. For some these signs also bring a feeling of dread.

As the blossoms bloom and bulbs come to life for many it is also the start of those familiar symptoms. The runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing - all well-known signs of a pollen allergy also known as hay fever.

Top tips

In 2020 research found that 49% of people reported suffering from hay fever (Allergy UK). Therefore if you are reading this it is highly likely you or someone you care about struggles with the symptoms of hay fever. Here are our top tips to hopefully help.

• Be prepared
  Treating hay fever starts with prevention. You can use treatments up to two weeks in advance so check pollen times and areas with local forecasts.

• Stay indoors
  If you can, keep doors and windows closed, you'll find that your symptoms will ease inside so protect your inside space from pollen. When you return home take a bath or shower, wash your hair to remove pollen and change your clothes. You can also invest in air purifiers or air cleaners that help to remove any unwanted pollen that does sneak its way in.

• Use protection
  When you do venture outside there are a few ways you can reduce your symptoms. If you're prone to itchy eyes you can use glasses - wrap-around ones which provide the most protection. Using petroleum jelly around (but not inside) your nostrils and eyes can help to trap pollen and wearing a face mask can protect you from breathing in pollen through your nose and mouth.

• Know the symptoms
  Hay fever and other allergy symptoms overlap with Covid-19 so it's important to know the difference to help reduce the spread of the virus and protect those who are high risk. Doctors recommend testing for Covid-19 If you have:
• Fever
• Chills
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Loss of taste or smell
• Brain fog
  

More information on what to do if you think you have covid-19.

• Treat the symptoms
  Many hay fever treatments come in various forms, it helps to be aware of which symptoms affect you the most. If you have itchy eyes you may find eye drops helpful, if your nose is blocked you might prefer a nasal spray over a tablet. An antihistamine that makes you drowsy could be really helpful if you’re having trouble sleeping. Our pharmacists can advise you on what options may work best for you and help put together a treatment plan.

• Talk to your pharmacist
  Our pharmacists can help you with advice, treatment options, and any questions you may have about your hay fever.
  Find your local pharmacy.

Fact or fiction quiz

How much do you really know about this common allergy and what causes it? We have assembled some information below, see if you can determine the facts from the fiction.

Question 1
Only flowers cause hay fever - true or false?