Hay Fever

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from grass, tress or plants, typically when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat.

Hay fever is usually worse between March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest. There's currently no cure and you cannot prevent it, but you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.

Symptoms of hay fever may 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 your temples and forehead
  • headache
  • earache
  • feeling tired

You can do things to ease your symptoms, including;

  • put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
  • ear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
  • shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
  • stay indoors whenever possible
  • keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
  • vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
  • do not cut grass or walk on grass
  • do not keep fresh flowers in the house
  • do not smoke or be around smoke
  • do not let pets into the house if possible as they can carry pollen indoors

Your local pharmacist can help with hay fever if you are suffering with symptoms. They can advise on treatments and products which can be purchased, such as antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays.

Please see the following websites for further information;