A pollen bomb is blasting Britain, bringing misery to millions of hay fever sufferers.
The warmer bank holiday weather has triggered the spike in tree pollen levels, causing sore throats, streaming noses and scratchy eyes.
Pollen levels are always higher during spring and summer, hitting the 13 million people who suffer.
To add to the burden, hay fever season kicked off three weeks early this year as we paid the price for a warmer winter.
It can also affect the three million of us with asthma, causing wheezing, a tight chest and coughing.
Over-the-counter medications, including eye drops, nasal sprays and antihistamine tablets or syrups, can help symptoms and a pharmacist can advise on what is best for you.
Pharmacist Anshu Bhimbat said: “The hay fever season in the UK typically runs from late March through to September.
“There are a number of symptoms and often people will experience one or more including sneezing and itchy eyes.”
Here the Lloyds Pharmacy expert suggests ways to hay fever proof your life.
Wear wrap-around sunglasses
Although hay fever is difficult to avoid when the pollen count is at its highest, there are things you can do to prepare.
This includes wearing sunglasses that protect your eyes from the pollen. These could bring relief from itchy, sore eyes.
Watch the washing
Not leaving the washing out to dry at key times is important.
Anusha said: “Avoid drying clothes and bedding on your washing line when the pollen count is high as you will bring it into your home, which will simply exacerbate symptoms.”
The Met Office highlights when there is a high pollen count – so checking this daily can help you decide when to peg your washing out.
Close your windows
It is important to keep pollen out of the home if you want to avoid an annoying reaction.
“You should keep your windows closed when possible, even at night and when you are driving in the car, as this will help you to avoid coming into contact with pollen,” said Anshu.
“If you are still experiencing symptoms indoors, a good air filter that can be used in the home could be a worthwhile investment for you.”
Time leaving home
If you do have to brave the outdoors when a pollen bomb hits, you can adjust your risk of a reaction by leaving at a sensible time.
“The pollen count will fluctuate depending on the season, time of day, weather and atmosphere,” said Anshu.
During hay fever season, the pollen count is at its highest early in the morning and late in the evening.
This is because pollen rises during the day with the hotter air, and falls as it cools down again in the evening.
Avoid urban areas
It is a myth that people in the countryside suffer from hay fever more than those in towns and cities.
Research has shown that higher pollution concentrations, particularly higher carbon dioxide, can result in longer pollen seasons.
If you live in a town or city, closing your windows or using an air filter can help keep the pollen and pollution outside.
Put jelly up your nose
You can minimise symptoms by smearing your nose with a petroleum jelly such as Vaseline.
Not only does it catch some of the pollen you breathe in, but it can stop your nose drying out when you use tissues.
Anusha said: “Some people find that putting a smear of Vaseline inside each of their nostrils to ease soreness and stop pollen in its tracks helps to reduce their hay fever.”