WITH the battle against coronavirus in full swing, hay fever sufferers also have a summer full of pollen heading their way.
But their symptoms should not be confused with the symptoms of Covid-19.
Hayfever doesn’t give you a fever.
One of the symptoms to look out for with coronavirus is a fever above 38 degrees and a dry, persistent cough.
As we prepare to move seasons, residents can look forward to the longer and warmer days ahead.
But for around 13 million people in the UK that suffer with hay fever, it can mean the start of itchy, watery eyes, and excessive sneezing.
WHAT CAUSES HAY FEVER AND WHEN ARE SUFFERERS MOST LIKELY TO GET IT?
March to mid-May – Tree pollen kick-starts hay fever season in March and generally runs through to late May.
It is thought that this is the most common time as there are around one hundred species of tree that can trigger allergic rhinitis.
One of the most highly allergenic trees is the sycamore, which can cause further reaction if celery and hazelnuts in the diet.
May to July – These three months are when we see a rise in response to grass pollen, possibly because the weather is better and people spend more time outside.
This allergen can potentially be the hardest to avoid, so invest in a good pair of sunglasses to limit pollen contact with the eyes.
Also, ensure washing is dried indoors so the fibres don’t carry anything that might trigger or elevate hay fever symptoms.
June to September – The two triggers to be aware of over these months are mould spores and weed pollen.
Mould is rife now due to warmer temperatures and an allergy to this, particularly if a person is also asthmatic, can bring breathing difficulties.
Using an air conditioner with a HEPA filter in the home can be beneficial for some.
The likes of nettle, dock and rape seed can be responsible for outbreaks over this period too, so watch the pollen count and try to spend time outside after rainfall as it reduces pollen levels.
