What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat. Pollen is a fine powder from plants.
Check the pollen forecast (Link: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/health/public/pollen-forecast)
How to treat hay fever yourself
There’s currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it. But you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.
Do
√ Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
√ Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
√ Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
√ Stay indoors whenever possible
√ Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
√ Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
√ Buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a special HEPA filter
Don’t
X Do not cut grass or walk on grass
X Do not spend too much time outside
X Do not keep fresh flowers in the house
X Do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse
X Do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen
X Do not let pets into the house if possible – they can carry pollen indoors
Allergy UK has more tips on managing hay fever (Link: https://www.allergyuk.org/information-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/11-hay-fever-allergic-rhinitis).
A Pharmacist can help with hay fever
Speak to your Pharmacist if you have hay fever.
They can give advice and suggest the best treatments, like antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays to help with:
- Itchy and watery eyes and sneezing
Find a pharmacy (Link: https://beta.nhs.uk/finders/find-help)
If the Pharmacist has concerns there is an issue requiring GP intervention they will contact the GP direct for action.