Warm temperatures over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend are expected to trigger high pollen counts in the UK. With around 20 per cent of the UK affected by hay fever, the pollen count spikes could result in large numbers of runny noses and watering eyes this weekend. Almost all of the UK is predicted to have a high pollen count on Easter Sunday, according to the Met Office. It comes after the public were warned about a nationwide “pollen bomb” spreading across the country this Bank Holiday weekend.
Warm temperatures this weekend are expected to cause a spike in pollen counts
Allergy UK
Every part of the UK is forecasted ‘High’ levels of pollen today, revealed the Met Office’s pollen forecast.
But, northeast Scotland is forecasted ‘Medium’ pollen levels, with the Orkney and Shetland Islands are still forecasted ‘Low’ amounts of pollen.
During this part of the year, the pollen affecting hay fever patients is largely from trees, it said.
But warmer temperatures can cause higher pollen counts, which subsequently leads to unwanted hay fever symptoms.
Charity Allergy UK said: “Warm temperatures this weekend are expected to cause a spike in pollen counts, causing problems for those living with allergic rhinitis.
“Seasonal allergic rhinitis [more commonly known as hay fever] affects one in five people in the UK, and can flare up at certain times of the year depending on which pollen is airborne at that time of year [including grass, tree and weed pollen], with grass pollen season the most problematic for the majority.
“During the spring months pollen from trees is the common culprit for hay fever symptoms.
“Warm temperatures this weekend are predicted to cause higher pollen counts so people living with pollen allergy may experience allergic symptoms.
“Management of hay fever symptoms includes pollen avoidance by reducing exposure, and managing symptoms with hay fever treatments and medication depending on allergic symptoms and how severe these are.”
Easter Monday is expected to have the highest average levels of pollen across the UK.
If you do go outside during periods of high pollen counts, it’s important to reduce your expose to the allergen, said Allergy UK.
11 Tips to get you through hay fever season
Hay fever season is upon us once again, here are our top tips to reduce those annoying pollen allergy symptoms.
Avoid parks or fields, particularly in the early evening when there’s a lot of pollen floating at nose level
It’s also important to keep your windows closed when you’re inside – particularly in the early mornings and evenings, when higher amounts of pollen are in the air.
Meanwhile, avoid drying clothes on an outdoor washing line, especially when pollen counts are high.
Putting petroleum jelly around your nostrils could help to trap pollen, and prevent symptoms, said the NHS.
Alternatively, wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen from getting into your eyes.
To avoid runny noses and itchy eyes, avoid cutting the grass or keeping fresh flowers indoors. Smoking, or being around smoke, could make hay fever symptoms worse.
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