The NHS provides window and door advice to those who suffer from hay fever (Image: Getty)
The NHS advises Brits to do one thing with windows and doors if they suffer from a common condition. People who suffer from hay fever could see symptoms worsen this week as parts of England are set to see high levels of pollen.
Hay fever is an allergy, also known as allergic rhinitis, that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes.
Typically triggered by pollen, it is usually worse in the spring and summer months.
On its website, the Met Office warns that parts of England and Wales will see “high” pollen levels this week.
Areas that will be affected on Thursday, April 16, are South West England, London and South East England, East of England, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber.
The Met Office warns that parts of England and Wales will see “high” pollen levels this week (Image: Getty)
Symptoms of hay fever can include:
- Sneezing and coughing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
- Headache
- Feeling tired
The NHS says: “Symptoms are usually worse between late March and September, especially when it’s warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.
“Hay fever can last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after one to two weeks.”
What to do if you have symptoms
While there is no cure for hay fever, there are steps you can take to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high. This includes limiting your exposure to pollen.
Therefore, the NHS recommends you “keep windows and doors shut as much as possible”.
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- Put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen
- Wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes
- Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
- Try to use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car, if you have one, and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner
- Do not cut grass or walk on grass
- Do not spend too much time outside
- Do not keep fresh flowers in the house
- Do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse
- Do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen
- Do not let pets into the house if possible – they can carry pollen indoors
You can also speak to a pharmacist if you have hay fever, as they can offer advice and suggest the best treatments to help with your symptoms. These include antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays, and steroid nasal sprays.
However, you should speak to your GP if your symptoms are getting worse, or if your symptoms do not improve after taking medicines from the pharmacy.
Ongoing pollen forecast
According to the Met Office, the following regions will experience “high” pollen counts over the next few days. On Friday (April 17), the affected areas will be:
- London and South East England
- East of England
- The East Midlands
- Yorkshire and Humber
- North East England
On Sunday (April 19), the affected areas will be:
- Wales
- The West Midlands
- North West England
At the time of reporting, no areas were forecast to have high pollen counts on Saturday, April 18. For more information, visit the Met Office website here.
