POLLEN levels are set to soar again this weekend.
It will bring misery to millions who suffer with the frustrating seasonal illness.
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The Met Office issued a warning, saying: “Pollen levels will be high at times across parts of England over the next few days, with both tree and a little grass pollen airborne.”
Today is going to be especially bad for much of England and Wales, with the pollen count expected to be “high”.
It will ease off slightly on Sunday, before the East of England is hit with high levels again on Monday.
But while it can blight a nice day out when the sun is shining and you want to be in the great outdoors, there are solutions to the pollen bombs.
Boots’ chief pharmacist Marc Donovan has issues some tips to help get your through it.
Know your timings
“Around midday is a time where pollen count is usually at its lowest.
“So take this opportunity to get outside for some fresh air.
“There are lots of other health benefits of getting outside for a walk or gentle exercises, too.”
Pollen transfer
“Change your clothes as soon as you come indoors.
“It’s best to take a shower and wash your hair too, as pollen is difficult to remove unless it’s wet.”
Find your treatment
“There are a range of hay fever relief products available – from tablets to nasal sprays – you can always speak to your pharmacies to find which products are suitable for you.
“If over the country remedies are not proving effective, speak yo your GP or consider visiting our Boots Online Doctors, which offers a hay fever treatment services.”
Find a barrier
“Apply a barrier balm of petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, around your nose to trap pollen.”
For hay fever sufferers, itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose are all common symptoms.
But there are some symptoms that also cross over with Covid-19, such as a runny nose, sore throat and a cough.
A runny nose is now one of the most common symptoms of Omicron.
Although a cough is common in both illnesses, there will be differences between the two.
If you have hay fever it’s likely your cough will feel tickly and dry – whereas if you have Covid it’s likely to be a more persistent cough with at least three coughing episodes in one day.
Free tests have now been scrapped in England, but if you want to know for certain if you have the sniffles or the virus you can buy a single test for around £1 or a pack for about a tenner.
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