YOUR HAYFEVER ACTION PLAN

Step 1

Check the pollen count – The Met office update the pollen count every day so you can check how your area is faring at www. metoffice.gov.uk – but if you can’t log on, as a general rule the pollen count rises with the temperature.

Step 2

Pollen is released in the early morning and the pollen count rises again in the evening when the air cools and pollen starts to fall back down to ground level so try to avoid going outside in the early morning and evenings. if you can. Also try to keep your car windows closed and switch your air conditioning to re-circulate air because pollen counts are often highest on grass verges next to roads.

Step 3

Wear sunglasses to reduce the amount of pollen that gets into your eyes and try applying a balm to your nostrils to catch pollen before it gets up your nose. Eye drops and nasal sprays can help to relieve symptoms if they crop up, too.

Step 4

Wash your hands and face as soon as you get inside to remove any pollen from your skin so it can’t be transferred to your eyes, nose or throat.

Step 5

Try a supplement – quercetin is a natural compound that has been found to reduce the release of histamine from your immune cells and ease the severity of allergy symptoms.

It’s found in red wine and berries but you can take it as a supplement. Remember that it takes three months for most supplements to take effect.

Step 6

A study by Pollen UK found that people who exercise regularly have milder hayfever symptoms than those who don’t work out at all. Swimming is a great option as it’s indoors and works your heart and lungs.