Urgent hay fever warning to millions as pollen bomb set to hit within weeks

IF you suffer from hay fever, this won't be something you want to read...

But the end of March can only mean one thing - a return of the irritating sniffles, streaming eyes and scratchy throats.

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This is because the tree pollen season begins, plaguing hay fever sufferers everywhere.

Temperatures are starting to rise, bringing joy to many but hell for people with pollen allergies.

The Met Office said: "Tree pollen occurs first, typically from late March to mid-May, and affects around 25 per cent of people."

"Most people are allergic to grass pollen (which actually has two peaks) and the season lasts from mid-May until July.

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"Weed pollen can be released at any time but the season typically covers the end of June to September."

Depending on where you live in the UK, you might get away with a shorter hay fever season.

Those in the south will see their agony start earlier, due to warmer temperatures and slightly less rainfall.

But if you know you struggle with tree pollen, now is the time to prepare and get your supplies ready.

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While you can't prevent a reaction, you can keep the symptoms under control using over the counter drugs.

Using tricks like sunglasses, Vaseline, switching up your diet and changing your clothes after being outside can help.

Omicron is still prevalent in the UK, with the milder Covid variant more likely to produce cold-like symptoms, similar to hay fever.

Many people report a scratchy throat or runny nose as the most common or only symptom they have.

So if you don't usually suffer from hay fever, or you want to be sure what you might have, it's best to take a Covid test too.

How to ease hay fever:

1. Shower and change clothes after being outdoors

Pollen gets everywhere, sticking to clothes and affecting you long after you’ve retreated inside. After a day outside, jump in the shower, or bath, and change your clothes to prevent the pollen clinging to you and furniture indoors.

2. Apply petroleum gel just under the nose 

Dabbing a little petroleum gel, such as Vaseline, around the nostrils before you head out can act as a barrier to prevent pollen particles from entering your nose. 

3. Wear wraparound sunglasses 

This is a suitably stylish way of keeping pesky pollen powder out of your eyes.

4. Keep it clean

Regularly wash your hands when out and about to remove pollen and avoid rubbing it further into your eyes or nose. You can also carry some wipes to give your hands a quick clean when out and about.

5. Dry your laundry inside

Gorgeous weather calls for hanging the laundry outside. But if you suffer from hay fever, it’s better to dry your laundry inside so that it won’t catch any pollen outside.

6. Keep pets clean

Animal fur can easily collect pollen when outdoors.

When pets like dogs, cats and bunnies return to the comfort of your home, they bring this pollen with them where it transfers to clothing, furniture, carpets and bedding.

Try a pet friendly shampoo on days when the pollen count is high to keep your animals free of plant particles.

7. Create an on-the-go first aid kit

There are plenty of products you can pick up at the chemist to keep your symptoms in check, each with different abilities.

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Antihistamines block the action of a chemical called histamine, which the body releases when it thinks it's under attack from an allergen.

If you’re struggling with a blocked, itchy or runny nose, a steroid nasal spray might provide you with some extra relief. They work by reducing the inflammation inside the nose.