MOST of us look forward to the summer and the chance to get out and about enjoying the warm, sunny weather but for some Redditch residents the perils of grass pollen are fierce.
Hay fever affects one in five people at some point in their lives with symptoms including runny eyes and nose, sneezing and itchiness.
But the good news is most people report their symptoms improving as they get older with up to 20 per cent saying their symptoms have gone away completely.
And there is help at hand.
Dr Richard Davies, interim chair and clinical lead for NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG said: “The best way to control hay fever is with antihistamines.
“Starting to take them now so they get into your system will really be of benefit and if you’ve any questions, remember the pharmacist can help you decide which are best for you, particularly if you’re already on medication.”
Dr Davies added there are other ways you can help yourself too. Wearing wraparound sunglasses when outdoors can protect eyes and taking a shower and changing clothes after being outdoors will stop you spreading pollen through your home.
Keeping an eye on the weather forecasts and staying indoors if the pollen count is high is another suggestion as is applying a small amount of petroleum jelly inside the nose to help trap pollen grains.
However, anyone who develops pain under the eyes should see a GP as it could be sinusitis. Children may also develop a middle ear infection as a result of hay fever and again, your GP should be the first port of call.
Visit www.nhs.uk. for more information on managing hay fever.
