Hayfever sufferers should take precautions over the next few days as the pollen count will be "very high" across England. The Met Office's forecast says pollen levels will be very high - which is the maximum warning - in every part of England today and almost the entire country on Friday. High and Very High pollen counts follow over the weekend.
Northumberland, County Durham and Tyne & Wear - including Newcastle, Sunderland and coastal areas in North and South Tyneside - are among the places where a very high pollen count is forecast over the next few days. June is peak grass pollen season, which is the variety most hayfever sufferers are allergic to.
If you've noticed you are sneezing a lot, or have itchy eyes, feel tired, have a headache or a runny nose, it could be hay fever - although it might not be a bad idea to get a Covid test too. The NHS has advice for how to deal with hayfever. There is no cure, but there are steps you can take to prevent or relieve symptoms.
Read more: Why hay fever is getting worse - and why you can't get the 'injection' on the NHS
How to treat hay fever when the pollen count is high or very high
The NHS has advice for how to deal with hayfever. There is no cure, but there are steps you can take to prevent or relieve symptoms.
As well as the tips below, the NHS suggests contacting a pharmacy about over-the-counter treatments. They include antihistamines and nasal sprays. Antihistamines can be bought relatively cheaply from retailers like B&M, Wilko and Home Bargains, as well as pharmacies and supermarkets. Allergy experts usually recommend looking for the second-generation antihistamines, like Loratadine and Cetrizine, as first-generation antihistamines tend to make people drowsy.
Do
- 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 HEPA filter
- try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
Don’t
- do not cut grass or walk on grass
- do not spend too much time outside
- do not keep fresh flowers in the house
- do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse
- do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen
- do not let pets into the house if possible – they can carry pollen indoors
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