As summer rolls around, there's plenty to look forward to, including warmer weather and more time to spend in the sun. Whether you love camping and festivals, or if picnics and road trips to the nearest beach are more your thing, there's nothing like making the most of the good British weather while it lasts.
But it isn't all fun, as unfortunately summer also brings us hayfever. Symptoms including runny noses, watery eyes and an itchy throat are particularly unpleasant, but many people up and down the country will likely be experiencing them at the moment.
If you're one of the unlucky people, you might have tried seemingly everything to make yourself feel better, to no avail. Well, there's one more trick you can give a go if you're feeling up to it - and it comes recommended by a doctor.
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Doctor Laura Lenihan, a GP based in Galway, shared her advice on treating hay fever with RSVP Live, claiming that Vaseline could help reduce people's symptoms massively. "Hay fever is an allergy to pollen and it tends to present from late March to early September," Dr. Lenihan says.
"It can get worse at certain times during that period when the pollen count is higher. It’s important to be aware of things that can make it worse, like freshly cut grass, particular trees or flowers."
She continued: "I often find tips to reduce hay fever, like staying indoors and keeping the windows closed, are super unhelpful. Things like that are difficult to do, especially in the summer months when it’s warm. However, there are a few tricks that can help.
"Putting Vaseline underneath your nose is a good one, as it can trap the pollen before it enters the nasal passages. Other things like wearing wraparound sunglasses can stop the pollen getting into your eyes and causing itchy, watery eyes. You should also avoid drying your clothes and bedsheets outside because they can pick up pollen."
The expert went on to say that it's also important to know exactly what your hay fever triggers are, as there are different types of pollen. She advises speaking to a doctor or immunologist if you're suffering particularly badly to get a proper diagnosis and allergy testing to find out which type of pollen it is that you’re allergic to.
In terms of treatment, Dr. Lenihan says antihistamines are the "best", reports the Mirror, which you can buy over the counter in the pharmacy. You could also speak to your GP about antihistamine nasal sprays and prescription antihistamines.
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