Why hay fever season is starting early this year
Hay fever season is set to arrive early, due to milder temperatures, according to The Met Office, so many people are preparing to manage their symptoms already.
Hay fever is a common seasonal ailment, affecting around 13 million people in the UK, and when the pollen count is high, those who suffer know full well how uncomfortable it can be.
The Met Office Pollen Forecast
"The tree pollen season started early due to February’s milder and drier weather. We’re seeing pollen from Alder, Elm and Hazel in particular and are expecting birch pollen to come into season around the third week of March," the Met Office told Country Living. "The rest of the pollen season will depend on the type of weather we get during spring and summer.
"This week (from 11th March) will be unsettled with spells of strong winds and rain at times, with some drier and brighter spells too. Next week (from 18th March), it will most likely stay generally unsettled with further spells of wet and windy weather interspersed with drier and brighter spells too. Towards the end of March it currently looks like drier and more settled conditions could extend across the UK."
So what does this outlook mean for those who suffer from hay fever? We asked LloydsPharmacy Pharmacist Anshu Bhimbat for her advice.
“For many people, hay fever can be a serious worry and nothing dampens spirits more than the discomfort and irritation that comes with it. If you experience symptoms every year, you will probably know what products work best, however don’t wait until symptoms occur; make sure you stock up and be prepared," Anshu tells Country Living.
"If you are experiencing symptoms for the first time, you can speak to your local pharmacist for advice on which treatments will be right for you. It’s worth considering combination therapy if you experience multiple symptoms during the allergy season.”
Are there any precautions I can take to reduce my symptoms?
In addition to treating symptoms with various medications, there are also certain lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your symptoms. They include:
Keep windows closed on house and car
Consider buying an air filter
Wear sunglasses
Avoid drying clothes outside
Anshu suggests: “You should keep your windows closed when possible, even at night and when you’re driving in the car, as this will help you to avoid coming into contact with pollen. This is especially important in the early morning and evening when pollen is released. If you’re still experiencing symptoms indoors, a good air filter that can be used in the home could be a worthwhile investment.
"It’s also important to wear wraparound sunglasses to keep allergens out of your eyes and avoid drying clothes and bedding on your washing line when the pollen count’s high as you will bring it into your home which will exacerbate symptoms.”
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How can hay fever be treated?
There are a variety of treatment options for hay fever symptoms, including tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops. The treatment option you choose will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing. Your local pharmacist will be able to help advise you on the best treatments as most people require a multi-method approach for hay fever.
When are hay fever symptoms at their worst?
"The severity of hay fever symptoms depends on the pollen count. The pollen count will fluctuate depending on the season, time of day, weather and atmosphere. During hay fever season, the pollen count will be at its highest early in the morning and late in the evening – this is due to pollen rising during the day with the hotter air, before falling as it cools down again in the evening,” Anshu explains.
“The hay fever season in the UK typically runs from late March through to September. During this time, there are different pollens and spores which can cause hay fever, and these may be prevalent at different times of the year."
What is likely to be the main cause of hay fever symptoms this year?
"The most common type of hay fever is a reaction to grass pollen, which can affect up to 90% of those who experience hay fever. House dust mites and mould fungus are other causes of hay fever and are particularly associated with perennial allergic rhinitis. Perennial allergic rhinitis is an allergic response, which is present all year round, as opposed to seasonally like hay fever.”
Is hay fever worse in the countryside?
Anshu comments: “Hay fever symptoms aren’t just limited to those in large expanses of countryside, and can be very prevalent in urban and city areas too. Research has shown that higher pollution concentrations, particularly higher carbon dioxide in urban areas and urban climates can result in longer pollen seasons.
Proximity to the coast can also affect the pollen count in the area, for example if you live on the coast and the wind is blowing offshore the pollen count will be higher.
During the hay fever season, the Met Office release a pollen forecast, which is useful to check to help manage the condition.”
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