Is it too early for hay fever sufferers to have symptoms?

Marie-Claire Dorking
·Contributor
Updated ·4-min read
Portrait of a Woman with Allergy who is Blowing her Nose, and Coughing and Sneezing. Older Woman with Cold Virus in Nature.
Is it too early to be suffering from hay fever? (Getty Images)

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens present in the air. It is one of the most common allergic conditions, with an estimated 10 million sufferers in England alone.

We tend to associate the symptoms with the seasons of spring or summer but according to some experts, we could be reaching for the tissues a little earlier this year.

"Hay fever season usually runs from late March to September in the UK, with different types of pollen dominating at different times," explains Dr Jonathan Webster, GP from Doctify.

The pollen calendar means we can expect tree pollen from late March to mid-May, grass pollen from mid-May to July, and weed pollen from late June to September.

This year the mild, dry weather we have been experiencing has provided some ideal conditions for tree pollen release. "The early onset of symptoms this year are likely due to the warmer winter," explains Dr Webster. "The tree pollens have come earlier, as they are the first to appear, particularly from species like hazel, yew, alder, and birch."

Woman sneezing, but is it a cold or hay fever?
There are some ways to tell if your symptoms are a cold or hay fever. (Getty Images)

The Met Office suggests that around 25% of hay fever sufferers are affected by tree pollen, which also offers a theory as to why so many seem to be suffering right now.

Research by Worcester University has also found the birch tree pollen season is becoming more severe in general, while the oak and grass pollen seasons are also starting earlier. The trends, researchers explain, could be due to higher spring and summer temperatures, growth of towns and cities plus more woodland being planted.

But while it is possible our sniffles could be down to hay fever, with the return of chilly temperatures our sneezing could also be due to a seasonal cold.

Hay fever symptoms usually include itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion, sneezing and for some people sinus pressure. "The difference to cold symptoms is that these can include a cough, fever and for some a sore throat too," explains Dr Mohamed Najjar of Jorja Healthcare Group. "Hay fever would never cause a fever and very rarely a sore throat."

Additionally hay fever sufferers will typically find their symptoms worsen outdoors or on windy days.

The pollen experts at the University of Worcester say the symptoms of a cold would also be less likely to coincide with the pollen seasons and should be over in a week or two.

If you're still not sure if it is a cold or hay fever they recommend making a note of when you get symptoms and comparing that to the pollen forecast for your area.

Alternatively, visit your GP for a diagnosis if you have these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks.

Dr Webster suggests beginning to take non-drowsy antihistamines 1-2 weeks before the expected start of the hay fever season. "This gives the medication time to build up its effectiveness," he adds.

While they are usually steroid-based, Dr Webster says they are safe and well tolerated. "There are some you can buy over the counter, others need a prescription," he adds.

Again it is recommended to start early to get the effectiveness. "It is always better to be proactive when managing hay fever symptoms rather than trying to get on top of established symptoms," Dr Webster explains.

Hay fever sufferer? Don't hang your washing on the line.
Hay fever sufferer? Don't hang your washing on the line. (Getty Images)

Dr Webster suggests applying petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap pollen. "This is a bit messy but if the pollen count is high it might help," he adds. "Check the Weather Apps for daily pollen counts and if you can, stay inside."

Another barrier method suggestion is wearing wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Keep windows and doors closed, shower and change clothes after being outdoors and avoid drying clothes outside to prevent pollen from sticking.

Installing HEPA filters in your home and car could also help to reduce exposure to pollen.

According to Dr Najjar steroid injections need to be taken a few months ahead of peak hay fever season, so now is a good time to take them. "They work by suppressing the immune system's overreaction to allergen," he explains.

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