12 Rules Every Hay Fever Sufferer Should Follow When The Pollen Count Is High

Bad news for hay fever sufferers – not only is this year a particularly harsh one for pollen levels in general, but the months of June and July see “high” and “very high” counts across much of the UK too.The start of grass pollen season, which began in June, has not made matters any easier.The NHS said symptoms are usually at their worst from May to September, which is when pollen counts are at their highest. That’s because warm, windy conditions help to bring more pollen into the air.“Left unchecked, hay fever can make the summer months miserable,” the Met Office writes. While there is no direct cure for hay fever, and though it can be hard to avoid pollen completely, the NHS has shared 12 rules to make the condition more manageable.How can I protect myself from pollen this summer?Per the NHS, 12 rules that can help are: 1. Putting petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrilsThis traps any pollen that would otherwise enter your nose.2. Donning wraparound sunglasses and/or a wide-brim hat This can cover your eyes, meaning no pollen can enter them. Wearing a face mask may help, too.3. Showering and changing as soon as you get home You should consider washing your hair more often if it’s very long, too, as this can trap pollen; either way, though, washing off the day’s pollen helps.4. Keeping windows and doors shut as often as you canThe Met Office says this is especially advisable at night.5. Vacuuming and dusting regularlyDust with a damp cloth to truly catch every speck; don’t forget often-neglected areas, like your sofa or mattress.6. Using a pollen filter in the air vents of your car and a HEPA filter in your vacuum if you have themBoth of these systems blow out lots of potentially pollen-filled air, so you should pay particular attention to them.7. Avoiding cutting or walking on grassPer the Met Office, these should be particularly avoided in the morning and early evening.8. Avoid spending too much time outsideCheck the latest pollen forecast before making plans.9. Don’t keep fresh flowers in the housePretty as they are, they also contain pollen.10. Don’t smoke or expose yourself to smokeThis can make hay fever symptoms worse. 11. Dry clothes insideCarefully washing your clothes after a day of pollen exposure is a little pointless if you’re going to dry them in a pollen-rich area, after all.12. Keep your pets either wholly outdoors or wholly indoors if possibleYour pet hair can capture more pollen than you may realise.How can I handle very bad hay fever?Do not ignore disruptive hay fever symptoms that don’t go away.Antihistamines can help, though if you have ongoing symptoms that don’t get better after time or through lifestyle changes and treatment, you should see your GP. If needed, your doctor may give you a steroid treatment; and if that doesn’t work, your GP might see whether you’re eligible for immunotherapy. Related...So THAT's Why Your Hay Fever Is So, So Bad This YearHave Hay Fever? This Driving Mistake May Be Ruining Your SleepThe 1 Common Remedy You Should Never Use When Your Child Has A Fever

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