At least the lockdown is good news on hay fever

We’re in as pollen count soars

IF you are one of the millions who suffer from hay fever, you may be grateful for the lockdown over the coming days.

For warm, sunny weather is about to help send the pollen count soaring.

So while it is glorious outside, many will be better off staying in, even though the lack of industry, traffic and aviation as a result of the coronavirus crisis means at least air pollution levels are far lower than normal.

Sunny weather across much of Britain will coincide with the start of the tree pollen season – and about a fifth of the UK’s estimated 13million hay fever sufferers are thought to be allergic to tree pollen. Asthma sufferers are also likely to be affected, health experts warned yesterday. Central and southern England are likely to have high pollen counts every day until Saturday, as will Wales.

Levels will also be high in northern England today but fall back tomorrow as it become cloudier. The

National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit said: ‘Birch pollen will rise to high during dry, sunny weather this week in all areas apart from the far north of England and Scotland.’

Its chief pollen forecaster Dr Beverley Adams-Groom said: ‘We have been predicting the start of main tree pollen season to occur this week for quite a while, so hopefully people allergic to this type will have started taking medication. We do advise taking antihistamines prior to the season start, as it enables hay fever sufferers to have a better season overall if they can avoid the first bad attack.

‘If not, then we advise people to stay inside with doors and windows closed, particularly if they live near to silver birch trees. With Covid-19 restrictions upon us, this shouldn’t be so difficult to achieve compared to normal. If people continue to have symptoms, then they should visit their local pharmacist for advice.’

Advice issued by the NHS for hay fever sufferers includes putting Vaseline around the nostrils and wearing wrap-around sunglasses to protect the eyes.

And Jessica Kirby, of Asthma UK, said: ‘We are advising everyone with asthma who suffers from hay fever to make sure they take their asthma medicines as prescribed.’

The Met Office predicts sunny settled weather will continue into the start of the Easter weekend for central and southern areas. But it is due to become cloudier in northern and western parts from tomorrow.

Temperatures in the South-East could hit 24C (75F) in isolated spots today and tomorrow. Good Friday and Easter Saturday are set to be mostly fine and dry but there is chance of showers in the West.

‘Avoid first bad hay fever attack’