Pollen levels will remain to be very high in many areas across the UK this week as Britain roasts in what could be a record-breaking heatwave. The Met Office forecasts that the majority of the county will experience high or very high levels of pollen all the way up to Friday.
According to the Kleenex Pollen Tracker, the heatwave has caused a 'nationwide pollen bomb', warning hay fever sufferers to prepare themselves for worsening symptoms as long-term exposure to extreme heat increases the risks of hay fever.
As almost three in five allergy sufferers are unsure of what pollen they are allergic to, you can take an Allergy Quiz to understand more about your allergies.
One of the best ways you can try and avoid symptoms, according to Allergy UK, is by wearing a face mask. The national charity says: "Wearing a face mask during a high pollen count can help. As well as acting as a barrier to pollen and reducing the amount of pollen inhaled, research suggests that wearing a face mask may reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms by increasing the temperature and humidity of the air breathed in while wearing a mask. This reduces the reactivity of the nose and in turn reduces the allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms.
"To reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis the best advice to help limit exposure to windborne pollens is to wear a mask, a pair of wraparound sunglasses and hat with a peak or a large brim when you’re outdoors. (This is) to keep airborne allergens from getting in your nose, eyes and into your hair."
"Choose a mask that blocks pollen and ultrafine dust particles and is washable and quick drying and keep spares in your car, at work and at home. And most important, make sure your mask is comfortable and a good fit."
And for those planning to enjoy the sunshine, Jin Zhang, Global Medical Director at Kleenex UK, has shared her top tips to help manage hay fever symptoms:
- Consider your wardrobe choices - To stop pollen from reaching your face, hair and importantly, eyes, we recommend wearing accessories such as hats and wrap-around sunglasses.
- Schedule your daily outings carefully -To help manage symptoms and plan ahead make sure you check the Kleenex Pollen Forecast before leaving the house.
- Taking allergy medicines before your outing - Most allergy treatments work best when taken early to prevent your body from releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause your symptoms.
- Always have a packet of tissues at hand - Soft tissues are advised
- Shower when you return home - When you return home, take a shower as soon as possible as pollen can stay on your skin and hair after you have been outside.
- Avoid gardening, mowing lawns, or raking leaves - If you suffer from a grass pollen allergy you should avoid these tasks and assign them to someone who does not suffer from hay fever.
- Rethink your laundry routine - To stop pollen lingering on bedding and clothes, wash your bedding in hot, soapy water once a week and avoid drying your bedding and clothes outside.
- Allergen barrier balm - Applying an allergen barrier balm around sunglasses and at the base of the nostril can be helpful for allergy sufferers
