HOT SPELLS SPARK HAY FEVER HELL
Sneeze surge arrives early
HAY fever is booming after the recent mild spell started millions sneezing.
With spring-like weather hitting earlier than ever, chemists are warning that the country’s 18million sufferers have started reaching for the tissues.
The winter temperature record has been smashed multiple times this week, with the mercury peaking at
21.1C in Kew Gardens, west London, on Tuesday.
And while temperatures nose-dived yesterday, many people are still suffering hay fever symptoms.
Sales of Boots’ hay fever products rocketed by 23% in February and were up a staggering 50.6% compared to the same week last year.
A spokeswoman said: “While an early spring undoubtedly put a smile on many of our faces, spare a thought for the country’s hay fever sufferers who thought they had a few more weeks to go.
“So, if you thought your sneezing was due to a winter cold, it might be time to think again – especially if you know you suffer from hay fever.”
Those with the condition are normally not affected until late March and this time last year Britain was being battered by the ferocious Beast From The East. Bookmakers predict that this month will go down in history as the hottest February ever, despite the return of wintry conditions today. Ladbrokes spokesman Alex Apati said: “February’s temperatures have forced us to slash odds on March breaking records.”