The Met Office has issued a ‘very high’ alert for hay fever sufferers in the UK, with millions of Brits set to be affected, as reported by Wales Online. The warning comes as pollen levels are expected to rise in the upcoming days, particularly in regions such as the south and south-west of England, all of Wales, and the West Midlands. With high-level warnings in place for the north-west and east of England, as well as Northern Ireland, and moderate warnings for the rest of the country except for Orkney & Shetland, where levels are low.
Hay fever season typically begins towards the end of March or early April in the UK, coinciding with the increase in tree pollen levels. Meteorologist Honor Criswick highlighted that tree pollen season is commencing, which could worsen symptoms for hay fever sufferers. She explained that the pollen season in the UK usually starts in January and can extend until November. Tree pollen affects around 25% of hay fever sufferers, followed by grass pollen affecting almost all sufferers from mid-May to July, and weed pollen, which typically occurs from late June to September.
Hay fever, described by the NHS as a common allergy causing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, has no known cure. Symptoms usually peak between late March and September, particularly in warm, humid, and windy weather when the pollen count is at its highest. While it’s challenging to prevent hay fever, managing symptoms can alleviate their severity. Measures such as applying vaseline around the nose and mouth to capture pollen, wearing sunglasses and hats outdoors, avoiding cut grass, and keeping windows and doors shut can be beneficial. Additionally, regular vacuuming, not drying clothes outside, and avoiding smoke are recommended strategies.
If symptoms persist, seeking help from a pharmacist for antihistamine drops, tablets, nasal sprays, or steroid nasal sprays is advised. However, it’s essential to be cautious with certain antihistamines that can induce drowsiness, so consulting a pharmacist for non-drowsy options can be beneficial. The Met Office forecasts that pollen levels are expected to remain high until Wednesday before increasing again towards the end of the week. Approximately 13 million people in the UK are affected by hay fever, and with the spike in pollen levels, it’s crucial for sufferers to take necessary precautions to manage their symptoms effectively.