July is set to be the worst month for hayfever sufferers this year. Grass pollen, which most people are allergic to, and weed pollen will hit their peak in what is traditionally the hottest month of the year.
According to the Met Office, there is generally less pollen in the north of the UK. However the soaring temperatures of July will see the clashing of the peak periods of the two types of pollen that may cause hayfever sufferers to experience more severe hayfever symptoms.
Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen, which is a fine powder from plants. Symptoms occur when pollen typically comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat.
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Hayfever symptoms and their severity varies from person to person. General hayfever symptoms include sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red or watery eyes, headache, earache and feeling lethargic.
It can sometimes be confusing to determine if you have a cold or hayfever, simply because the majority of these symptoms are similar for both. One key difference is the duration of your symptoms.
Hayfever can last for weeks or months, whereas a cold will usually go away after around seven days. Hayfever could be more serious if you have asthma, where you might also have a tight feeling in your chest, be short of breath and have a wheezing cough.
Although there is no cure for hayfever, there are things you can do to stay as safe as possible and mitigate the impact of hayfever symptoms. You can take hayfever medication at Boots or from your local pharmacy, which is usually over-the-counter and easily accessible.
Hayfever sufferers are also advised to stay indoors if possible, particularly during the middle of the day, keep windows closed and shower upon re-entering the house to wash off pollen spores that may have clung to garments when outside. If leaving the house is absolutely imperative, you can check the pollen count in your area and prepare accordingly.
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