Here’s how you can protect yourself and your home from the rising pollen over the Bank Holiday (Image: Getty)
The Spring Bank Holiday weekend is officially here and the UK is being treated to some glorious weather amidst a heatwave. With temperatures set to reach 33℃ in parts of the UK, it’s important people remain proactive when surviving the weekend and all it has to throw at us.
One key factor that affects many Brits is hay fever, and with the rising temperatures, hay fever is sure to be rid of. Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, explained: “Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder produced by certain plants. Symptoms typically occur when the pollen comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat.”
Pollen will be at its peak on warm, dry days (Image: Getty)
She continued: “There isn’t a definite way to determine what the hayfever season will be like each year, however the weather is a good indicator as this plays a significant role in the production, distribution and dispersion of pollen.
“Typically, hayfever is seen to be heightened between the months of late March and September, particularly when it is warm, humid and windy as this is when the pollen count is at its highest.
“However, there are different types of pollen that can bring on hayfever. For example, tree pollen counts are highest between late March and mid-May, whilst grass and weed pollen counts are highest between mid-May and September.”
A common theme is to reduce the amount of exposure you have to pollen, as this will only exacerbate hay fever. By staying inside and keeping windows and doors closed, you’ll be able to limit the side effects.
So bearing all of that in mind, experts have shared their best prevention methods everyone can use to minimise the effects of hay fever without the need for medication. Here’s how you can survive the next strong wave of pollen.
Having a shower can wash away any pollen you may have caught while outside (Image: Getty)
Take a shower
Dr Harpreet Sarna, Vitality’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “On warm dry days when the pollen count is at its peak, you can avoid worsening your symptoms by taking a shower when you get home. Washing your hair thoroughly and putting on a fresh set of clothes will remove any residual pollen and lower the risk of irritation. If you struggle with itchy eyes, over-the-counter eye drops may also help relieve these symptoms.”
Use Vaseline
Dr Sarna continued: “Placing a small amount of Vaseline by your nose can catch pollen and prevent it from aggravating your symptoms. Vaseline provides a barrier to catch pollen particles and relieve the effect of sore skin often caused by hay fever symptoms.”
Bring your laundry indoors
Claire said: “If you are drying laundry outdoors, there’s a chance that pollen could enter the house on clothing, especially when pollen counts are high. Try to dry your laundry indoors instead to help minimise the amount of pollen that could fall onto your clothes and bedding.”
Consider freezing your pillow to reduce the chance of allergens clinging to the fabric (Image: Getty)
Check your bedtime routine
Sammy Margo, a Chartered Physiotherapist and Dreams’ sleep expert, explained that there are a number of things people can do to their bedroom to keep the pollen at bay. Consider essential oils, and even chill your bed clothes.
She explained: “Before bedtime, consider placing your pillow in the freezer for a few hours. This not only cools your pillow but may also reduce allergens too. Cooling the pillow can create an inhospitable environment for dust mites, as studies suggest that lower temperatures may inhibit the growth of allergenic fungi.
“Infuse your laundry with a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree oil. Not only will they add a pleasant aroma, but they may also help repel dust mites. Essential oils, particularly eucalyptus and tea tree oil, are well-known for their antimicrobial properties.
“A surprising but effective method to reduce allergens in the bedroom involves freezing the soft toys that you keep on your bed in a sealed bag. According to various studies, low temperatures, such as those achieved in a freezer, may effectively kill dust mites and reduce allergens in soft furnishings.”
Cut down on alcohol
Dr Luke Powles, Associate Clinical Director at Bupa Health Clinics, said: “Alcohol can worsen hay fever symptoms. Beer, wine, and spirits all contain histamine, a chemical that triggers allergic reactions. Histamine can make you more sensitive to pollen, and alcohol can also dehydrate you, which can make your symptoms even worse.
“If you suffer with hay fever, it’s best to limit your alcohol intake. If you do choose to drink, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You may also want to take an over-the-counter antihistamine to help relieve your symptoms.”
Rinse nasal passages with salt water
Claire said: “Rinsing of nasal passages with salt water can help flush out pollen and other allergens trapped in your nose. This can help to relieve congestion such as a runny nose and sneezing.”
