Weather Forecasters Predict 'Very High' Pollen Count

Weather Forecasters Predict 'Very High' Pollen Count

Bad news for Britain's 15 million hayfever sufferers, as the Met Office has forecasted ‘high’ levels of pollen in the South today, with the Midlands seeing ‘very high’ counts on Friday.

According to Allergy UK, 72% of those with hay fever suffer for more than two months and 15% of sufferers are so affected by their hay fever they are 'prisoners to pollen' and don’t like leaving their own house

Allergy UK tell Huffpost Lifestyle: "Pollens from trees, grasses and weeds that commonly cause hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) are released from plants from approximately March to September.

"At the start of the season those allergic to tree pollen can be affected by the UK birch pollen season in March-June. However, sufferers that are allergic to grass pollen (the most common cause of hay fever) usually experience symptoms in the UK from May-July."

According to the charity, people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or hay fever may also find their symptoms worsen when they are near rapeseed fields.

"Rapeseed flowering season is from Mid April to June. Rapeseed produces volatile oils in the atmosphere which can irritate sensitive airways, " said a spokesperson for the charity.

In the UK, nearly a quarter (23%) of adult hay fever sufferers say the condition makes them miserable, 38% find it difficult to sleep and 29% feel unable to concentrate, according to survey by Allergy UK.

And it's bad news for bosses this week, as once in five say it makes it hard for them to do their job.

• Pollen Forecasts

  Monitor pollen forecasts daily and stay indoors wherever possible when the count is high (generally on warmer, dry days). Rain washes pollen from the air so counts should be lower on cooler, wet days

• Stay By The Seaside

  Limit outdoor trips to rural areas. Sea breezes blow pollen inland, so escape to the sea instead.

• Shower And Change

  If you go out, shower and wash your hair on return, and change your clothing before coming back into the living room or bedroom

• Close Windows

  Keep windows closed when indoors and overnight whilst you are sleeping. This is most important in the early mornings, when pollen is being released, and in the evening when the air cools and pollens that have been carried up into the air begin to fall to ground level again.

• Air Filter

  If you suffer symptoms indoors, a good air filter should help. Choose one that is proven to trap even small particles (see the <a href="http://www.allergyuk.org/" target="_hplink">Allergy UK website</a> for lists of approved air filters).

• Avoid Mowing Lawn

  Avoid mowing lawns or raking leaves. If you must perform these tasks, use a face mask.

• Sunglasses

  Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to keep allergens out of your eyes.

• Clothes

  Avoid drying clothes and bedding on a clothes-line outside when pollen counts are high.

• Car Windows

  Pollen counts tend to be high along roads with grass verges (dual-carriageways, motorways). Keep car windows closed and the air intake on 're-circulate' when driving. Choose a car that is fitted with an effective pollen filter, or get an in-car air filter.

• Pollen Barrier

  Apply an effective pollen barrier around the edge of each nostril to trap or block pollens. Pollen Barriers are available as balms or gel nasal sprays and some people have found petroleum jelly can help.

• Hypo-allergenic Make-up

  Choose hypo-allergenic eye make-up, especially mascara.

• Pets

  Don't let pets get close to your face as they can carry pollen in their fur.

• Swimming Goggles

  Use goggles when swimming, whether in the sea or in a pool.

Source: www.huffingtonpost.co.uk