Visits to GP up by 50pc after hay fever hits peak

THE recent heatwave sparked a big rise in severe hay fever attacks, with the number of people visiting their doctor rising by half in the last year, new figures show.

Data from the Royal College of GPS (RCGP) reveal that in the first week of June, 11,353 people visited their GP with hay fever symptoms, rising to 37,568 in the week ending June 25.

In the same week at the end of June last year, 25,097 people visited their GP with hay fever, showing a rise of 50 per cent. The figures for England suggest that recent high temperatures across the country may have led to more people suffering hay fever or seeing their symptoms worsen. Rates are at their highest this year so far. Prof Helen Stokes-lampard, chairman of the RCGP, said: “Each year, seasonal hay fever can cause untold misery to thousands of people across the country.

“The weather may have taken a turn for the worse, but we are still seeing a steep rise in allergic rhinitis presentations in our surgeries – the highest so far in 2017 and higher compared to this time last year.

“Hay fever can be awful, but the discomfort should be temporary and there should be no long-term ill effects.”

The RCGP said mid-june traditionally marks the start of the hay fever season, with children aged five to 14 usually most affected. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.