Spring is here... and Hay fever | News

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Spring is here... and Hay fever

West Hampshire CCG is raising awareness of hay fever and how you can take positive steps to manage your symptoms yourself. 

Each year, the number of allergy sufferers increases by 5% with half of those affected being children. Hay fever is considered the most common allergy with one in four of the UK population suffering with it.

At this time of year, many people start to be affected by allergies due to larger quantities of airborne grass pollen, and suffer from symptoms, such as sneezing, runny, blocked or stuffy nose, itchy eyes and post-nasal drip. However, some people are allergic to other types of pollen, such as tree or weed pollen, and may be affected at different times of the year.

 Anyone who is feeling unwell with the symptoms of hayfever should in the first instance visit their pharmacist who can offer advice on medication that is available over the counter to relieve the symptoms associated with the condition.

Regular hay fever sufferers should be advised to take their antihistamines before the start of the season and the onset of symptoms, once a day non-sedating oral antihistamine is the standard treatment and antihistamines available from the pharmacy are identical to those prescribed.

For more information on allergies, visit the NHS website or Allergy UK.

Here are some top tips;

  • put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
  • wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
  • stay indoors whenever possible
  • keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
  • vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
  • washing hands regularly

Here is further information about over the counter medicines https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1a-over-the-counter-leaflet-v1.pdf?