UK Health Experts Warn of Early Hay Fever Surge
British pharmacists are sounding the alarm over an early hay fever surge, driven by milder winters causing pollen levels to spike sooner than anticipated. Sales of hay fever treatments have already skyrocketed by 89% compared to the same period last year, indicating a significant rise in allergy cases. Experts are urging the estimated one in two affected Britons to begin preventative measures immediately to avoid being overwhelmed by symptoms.
Eight Essential Actions to Combat Hay Fever
1. Start Treatment Early
Tree pollen typically begins to increase in early March, meaning sufferers should initiate antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays without delay. Beginning treatment one to two weeks before symptoms emerge helps keep the immune system calm and reduces the severity of allergic reactions.
2. Target Symptoms Correctly
While tablets such as cetirizine or loratadine effectively address sneezing and itching, they often fall short in treating nasal congestion. For a blocked nose during tree pollen season, experts recommend incorporating a steroid nasal spray to combat inflammation directly.
3. Protect Your Eyes
Itchy and watery eyes are frequently under-treated, especially during the grass pollen season later in spring. Adding antihistamine eye drops to your daily routine provides a simple yet highly effective layer of additional protection against ocular symptoms.
4. Upgrade for Severe Cases
If standard over-the-counter options have proven ineffective in the past, consider non-drowsy alternatives like fexofenadine. Consulting a pharmacist early can help identify stronger treatments before symptoms become persistent or severe, ensuring better management.
5. Prevent Pollen Entry at Home
Pollen easily clings to hair and fabrics, making it crucial to shower and wash your hair immediately after being outdoors. Avoid sitting on furniture while wearing outdoor clothes and refrain from drying laundry outside when pollen counts are high to minimise indoor exposure.
6. Create Physical Barriers
Wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors can physically block airborne allergens from reaching your eyes. Similarly, keep car windows closed while driving and use air conditioning to filter the air entering the vehicle, reducing pollen inhalation.
7. Maintain a Clean Environment
Regularly vacuum carpets and soft furnishings with a machine equipped with a HEPA filter to trap microscopic pollen particles. Wiping surfaces with a damp cloth instead of a dry one prevents pollen from being flicked back into the air, maintaining cleaner indoor spaces.
8. Monitor Early Warning Signs
Early symptoms such as occasional sneezing or slightly itchy eyes serve as clear indicators that local pollen levels are rising. Treat these signs as a prompt to ensure your full medication regimen is in place before the season peaks, allowing for proactive management.
Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U, emphasises that preventative treatments are most effective when taken daily, rather than only during symptom flare-ups. This consistent approach can significantly alleviate the impact of hay fever throughout the allergy season.
