Dry, sunny weather causes pollen to rise. By noon, most grains reach high in the atmosphere. As the air cools in the evening, the pollen falls again and stays suspended longer in warmer areas, such as towns.

Pollen levels are highest between 6:00pm and 8:00pm in rural areas, and from 10:00pm to midnight in towns. The UK’s peak pollen season is usually the last two weeks of June.

Typical symptoms of hay fever include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, blocked or runny nose
• Red, itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy throat, inner ear or mouth Headaches
• Loss of concentration and generally feeling unwell

• Take your hay fever treatment every day.
• Check the pollen forecast on TV or in the newspaper. If the pollen count is high, stay indoors as much as possible.
• Plan outdoor activities for the early afternoon, but don’t forget sunscreen!
• Keep doors and windows closed, especially mid-morning and early evening.
• Avoid drying clothes outside. If you do, bring them in before the evening and shake them out first.
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses and a peaked cap or hat or a hat with a brim.
• Apply a small amount of Vaseline inside your nose.
• Keep car windows closed.
• Avoid walking through or cutting grass, picnics, and camping. If you go out to the countryside, shower and wash your hair when you get home.

• A tight chest
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Wheezing

If you have these symptoms, make an appointment to see your nurse or doctor.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for hay fever and you can’t prevent it. But you can do the things listed to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.

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