Dr Hilary Jones has offered up a number of tips for coping with hay fever as forecasts predict soaring pollen levels over the coming days.
During today's instalment of Lorraine, the health expert told ITV viewers ways they can deal with bothersome symptoms such as a runny nose, headaches, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes - which you can watch in the video above . It comes as recent reports reveal that some high street stores are being hit by a shortage of Piriton, a medicine used to help with allergy symptoms.
However, the 68-year-old said we shouldn't be 'extraordinary worried' by the short supplies and explained Brexit "hasn't helped". "There is a shortage of some medicines but certainly not all," the GP said: "We've got 90 products that treat hay fever, which you purchase over counter at the chemists, and there's four in short supply".
READ MORE: Liverpool weather: Odds on record breaking hottest ever May
Sharing some of his own hacks for helping hay fever suffers, he said: "Simple things, listen to Laura Tobin with the weather forecast and the pollen forecast. She will tell you when the bad days are on their way. Friday is going to be a bad day because we've got higher temperatures.
"Avoid going out in the early morning and early evening, which is when the pollen tends to rise into the sky and then fall to the ground later on as the air cools. Think about wrap-around sunglasses, thinking about pollen filter in your car, think about Vaseline in the nostrils.
"Think about having a shower when you come in from a walk outside," He continued: "To get rid of pollen in your hair and shampoo your hair as well". Many pet owners may be surprised to hear the doctor also recommended shampooing your dog after a walk too, as they can carry pollen on their coats and may also get symptoms of hay fever."
Temperatures are set to rocket to the high teens and low 20s by Friday, with drier and even warmer weather expected arrive on Saturday as high pressure builds. According to forecasters, this could be the start of a record breaking May. Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said: “It’s likely we’ll see those warm and much warmer than average temperatures across the UK. Ultra-violet light levels will likely be high.”
Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV and ITV Hub from 9am.
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