HAY FEVER sufferers are set for a week of misery as the wet and sunny weather triggers a “pollen explosion” throughout the country.
Temperatures across the UK are predicted to soar this week after a wash out Sunday brought an end to a mini heatwave.
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As temperatures rise the pollen count continues to climb and remains high across England.
Pollen levels will be ‘medium’ in Northern Ireland, North West England and North East England.
They will also be ‘medium’ in Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian & Borders and Strathclyde, Central, Tayside & Fife.
The level is ‘low’ in Grampian, Highlands & Eilean Siar, Orkney & Shetland.
Many people who suffer from hay fever will have itchy or red eyes, eye drops can also be used to relieve these symptoms.
Pollen bombs or explosions usually occur when the weather heats up after a bout of bad weather.
Overnight many parts of the UK were treated to down pours and the wet weather is set to wreak havoc on hay fever sufferers.
Trees and grasses are likely to release spurts of pollen due to the change in climate.
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A pollen count is generated by measuring the number of pollen grains in a given volume of air, using a pollen trap.
A count of 50 pollen grains or less is considered low, and a count of 1,000 pollen grains or more is considered high.
Pollen counts tend to be higher in early morning and late evening, although they can sometimes be high all day long.
If you want to make the most of the weather but don’t want your symptoms to flare up, here are a few tips to keep your symptoms at bay.
1. Be prepared
Being proactive is a great was to dodge hay fever symptoms.
The pollen count is usually at its highest between 10am and 4pm.
This does take out a big chunk of the day but if you stay inside during these times then you are less likely to develop symptoms.
You should also avoided wooded areas and gardens due to grass pollen.
Making sure you carry antihistamines, nasal sprays and other forms of hay fever relief is also a good idea.
2. Wear a mask
Soon we will all being carrying a face mask with us as the government announced earlier this week that they will be mandatory in all shops.
Dr Glenis Scadding, a consultant physician in allergy and rhinology, said sufferers may be able to beat the symptoms if they wear a face covering.
She said: “Wearing a mask helps to reduce pollen coming into your mouth and nose, which is great.
“Adding a pair of wrap around spectacles will keep it out of your eyes.”
Masks can also help as they prevent dust from entering the body.
3. Hay fever proof your home
While many people think of hay fever as an outside issue, there are also steps you can take to make sure your home is ready for the high pollen count.
Making sure your home is clean from mildew or damp that may gather will make a big difference to your symptoms.
You could install a dehumidifier to help and filters on these often need to be changed every week.
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As well as this, make sure pets are kept off furniture as they may bring pollen in from outside on their fur.
If you do have a cat or dog at home then try and brush them outside before they are able to bring the pollen in.
Also try brushing them with a damp towel in order to remove any pollen that might be lurking.
