Got itchy eyes? Sneezing? Feeling bunged up?
That could be because hayfever season has already started, with high tree pollen levels forecast this week.
Kleenex now has a forecast that allows you to check the predicted pollen levels in your postcode. According to this week's, the tree pollen count is high in parts of the UK this week, including Newcastle, as warmer temperatures arrive.
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For those with a pollen allergy, known as hayfever (sometimes spelled hay fever), the count may mean they start experiencing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy or watery eyes.
According to Kleenex's research, out of 2,000 hayfever sufferers surveyed in the UK, many say their symptoms have gotten worse in recent years. It is thought climate change could be behind that as warmer weather comes earlier.
One third of those polled say they have remained indoors due to their allergy, and 12% had to call in sick from work.
The survey found that on average, increased symptoms for allergy sufferers resulted in a loss of two hours’ sleep a night, and 33% of those surveyed said they avoid local parks and green spaces.
A quarter (25%) wrongly self-diagnosed their hay fever symptoms for Covid-19.
Amena Warner, head of clinical services at the charity Allergy UK, said: “Living with allergies and maintaining a quality of life is not always easy.
“Enjoying everyday activities can become a real struggle.
“With the realities that warmer weather brings, it is crucial that allergy sufferers be given the advice, support and tools to manage their symptoms whilst staying active and healthy.”
Has the hayfever season started in March 2022?
Yes, hayfever season is underway in March 2022.
The Met Office says hayfever sufferers often notice symptoms when the pollen count is higher than 50 grains per one cubic metre of air. Today, the tree pollen count is 156 per cubic metres of air in Newcastle, according to Kleenex's checker. That level is classed as moderate.
But the tree pollen count rises to "high" levels of 288 in Newcastle on Thursday, 300 on Friday and 320 on Saturday. The tree pollen count will remain high on Sunday, according to the five-day forecast., but will be slightly lower than Saturday's.
Sunny weather without rain is a trigger for hayfever.
The Met Office adds: "On humid and windy days, pollen spreads easily but on rainy days, pollen can be cleared from the air. On sunny days, the pollen count is highest in the early evening and that's when you are most likely to suffer from hay fever symptoms."
Tree pollen season begins in Spring, and affects 25% of people, the Met Office says. It is not the most common form of hayfever - that's caused by grass pollen, which starts later in the spring.
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