Hay fever sufferers are to be hit by a “pollen bomb” this week - here’s how to ease symptoms
Over 13 million hay fever sufferers could face difficulty this summer as experts warn of a pollen “bomb” which could explode today.
According to the creator of HayMax allergen balm Max Wiseberg, an unusually hot spring followed by summer rain creates the ideal conditions for grass to grow.
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Hide AdWiseberg said “Wetter weather forecast for the next few days, after the long dry spell, will cause grass to flourish. It will produce loads more pollen, triggering a huge pollen explosion from Monday.”
This pollen bomb could make allergy symptoms unbearable for millions of sufferers as grass pollen is the most common hay fever allergy, affecting 90 per cent of sufferers.
25% of the population
According to the Met Office hay fever will affect 25 per cent of the population.
A statement on their website says “Most people are allergic to grass pollen (which actually has two peaks) and the season lasts from mid-May until July.”
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Hide AdHowever, a 2020 Met Office poll taken by 2,000 sufferers revealed that 41 per cent of those with hay fever say their allergies can remain throughout the summer months, ruining their entire summer.
The Met Office has also warned sufferers to expect high levels of pollen in both the South and the Midlands, along with moderate levels in the North later this week.
How do I know if I have hay fever?
The NHS website lists the symptoms of hay fever as the following:
- Sneezing and coughing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around your temples and forehead
- Headache
- Earache
- Feeling tired
It also clarifies that these symptoms will last weeks or months, making it easier to differentiate between allergies and a common cold which only lasts a week or so.
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Hide AdHow can I protect myself from the pollen bomb?
The NHS website issues the following advice for avoiding the brunt of hay fever symptoms when the pollen count is high:
- Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
- 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
- Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
- Buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a special HEPA filter