LOCKDOWN HAS WORSENED ALLERGIES

Many hayfever sufferers are struggling. Dr C explains why and what to do to get relief

We’ve had the driest spring on record, and we’re all in our houses instead of workplaces, which get cleaned each night and are often air conditioned – so it’s no surprise people are suffering more with allergies. We’re more aware of symptoms, worrying it’s coronavirus, and people who normally go to the pharmacist or GP for hayfever may have decided not to. Grass pollen is kicking in now, which will be bad for many. If you’re struggling, it might seem a drag, but hoover regularly, wash your clothes when you come in, and take a quick shower to rinse off pollen, as it can sit in your hair. You don’t want to then play with it and release it all. The real secret for allergy medications is taking them regularly.

Most people under-dose – prescription antihistamine are way stronger than overthe-counter ones, so you can probably take more, with your doctor’s advice. Regularity and not missing a dose is key. Start before your symptoms develop, so if your hayfever starts in July, take them now. If you’ve not managed that, it’s not too late – it just takes a bit longer to get on top of them. Multi dose, so get those antihistamine tablets down, shove the nasal spray up, put the eyedrops in – do all three. People get nervous about doing too much, but if your symptoms are bad, treat them. Try different products, and remember there are prescription strength options, too, so ask your GP for help. COVID-19 symptoms include dry cough, fever and loss of taste and smell. Hayfever can give you all of those except the fever – the temperature sets it apart. People often suggest local honey on the basis that it can desensitise the allergic reaction – and there’s some evidence behind it. It may help to reduce your symptoms a bit for next year, but it won’t help now – the only thing that will help streaming eyes and a stuffy nose is medication.