Hay fever tips to ease your symptoms during the UK heatwave

The Met Office has created a pollen forecast that shows the pollen count the next five days with it being very high in London, the South East, the East of England, and East Midlands today (Friday, June 19).

By Tuesday, June 23, the pollen count across all areas of England will be very high aside from in the North East and Northern Ireland as well as certain parts of Scotland where it will be high.

While there is no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it, there are a few tips you can use to try and help improve any symptoms you might suffer from.

What does the NHS recommending doing to help hay fever?

The NHS says: “Hay fever is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. You cannot cure it, but there are things you can do to help your symptoms, or medicines you can take to help.”

Keeping doors and windows closed in your home can help stop pollen getting in. (Image: Getty/seb_ra)

The NHS suggests that you should shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to get rid of any pollen.

If you are staying inside, you should keep your windows and doors shut and vacuum regularly or dust with a damp cloth.

If you are going outside, you can use Vaseline around your nostrils to help trap the pollen or wear “wraparound sunglasses, a mask or wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes”.

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You can also speak to a pharmacist for advice on antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays that might ease your symptoms.

The NHS says you should see a GP if “your symptoms are getting worse” or if “your symptoms do not improve after taking medicines from the pharmacy”.

How do you cope with hay fever throughout the spring and summer? Let us know in the comments below.