While yesterday saw the hottest day of the year so far, with parts of the UK reaching 28 degrees, the UK is celebrating the end of a bitter winter. As lovely as the weather seems considering the flurries of snow received just weeks ago, the quickly approaching summer can only mean one thing – the return of hay fever.
For those of the one in four Brits who suffer from the common allergic reaction, summer can be a real struggle. Runny noses and watery eyes are almost inevitable, with sufferers often choosing to take refuge inside rather than bracing the great outdoors.
Love the warm weather, hate the hay fever that comes with it
— Sum x (@sommerolivia_x) April 16, 2018
Summer is all fun and games untill your hay fever gets triggered
— @sighpapi970 (@sighpapi970) April 19, 2018
Is there a process to remove hay fever permanently because I’m tired of crying because of PLANTS
— Pheebs (@_OnlyPheebs) April 19, 2018
However, there are measures you can take to banish uncomfortable symptoms – or at least make them a little more bearable.
Here are some top tips to fight hay fever:
Avoid drying clothes outside on a clothes line to ensure pollen doesn’t come in direct contact with your skin. Instead, try hanging them indoors when possible.
When checking the weather forecast, take note of pollen counts and familiarise yourself with what a high pollen number is. Rain typically washes pollen from the air, so dry, sunny days are likely to carry a high pollen count.
3. Shower, shower, shower
After a day outdoors, be sure to shower and wash your hair when you get home. This will help to keep pollen irritation low.
4. Avoid grassy areas
As tempting as a day at the park may seem, try and stay away from grass. Why hang out there when you can head to a beer garden?!
5. Medicate
Although it’s a bit of a pain, try to remember to take an antihistamine in the morning to ensure you’re protected throughout the day. As well as tablets, eye drops and nasal sprays also do the trick to reduce irritation.
Aside from the traditional symptom relievers, others are swearing by more alternative cures…
Hay fever season is upon us, however I think I’m onto a cure… pic.twitter.com/V2UrW7MGYi
— James Ross (@jamesarossesq) April 20, 2018
Pure Local Honey – Great hay fever cure. Summer is coming. Buy yours now whilst we still have some. @thebeecentre @SamlesburyHall @VisitLancashire @Live_RV @MarketingLancs @HayfeverRelief pic.twitter.com/Uev2mzov1a
— Bee Centre (@thebeecentre) April 13, 2018
And our personal favourite?
Drinking gin and tonics could sooth hayfever symptoms, study finds | @Independent via @DrugWiseUK https://t.co/SrQ8cPtVOh
— Phil Mellows (@philmellows) June 22, 2017
