NHS 'use Vaseline' alert as people across UK urged to 'protect themselves'

NHS 'use Vaseline' alert as people across UK urged to 'protect themselves' The NHS claims that using the jelly during peak hay fever season may help some Brits The NHS has told people that an affordable product could help prevent irritating symptoms that millions of hay fever sufferers will experience during the 'red alert' weekend. People may find some relief from applying Vaseline around their nostrils ahead of a surge of Met Office 'very high' pollen alerts sweeping across the country. Certain parts of the UK will be placed under the highest pollen warning, triggering allergic reactions for millions of people. The full forecast reveals that from Friday, June 19, the wave of 'red' alerts will spread from isolated pockets to blanket almost the entirety of England, as well as the whole of Wales and Northern Ireland. As levels hit their peak, people are being urged to prepare ahead of time by stocking up on medication and steering clear of certain habits during the worst of the 'pollen bomb'. The NHS has highlighted a handy Vaseline technique that could bring relief to the millions of sufferers this week. In its online guidance, the health service recommends trying petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) applied around the nostrils. Dabbing a thin layer of Vaseline around your nostrils creates a sticky, physical barrier. This barrier works to trap airborne pollen particles. It can stop them before they enter your nasal passages, effectively preventing allergens from triggering a reaction. For optimum results, apply a light smear before heading outdoors, particularly on high-pollen-count days, reports the Express. Should you need to blow your nose or sneeze, you will need to reapply it. Additionally, those with sensitive skin should consider opting for an unscented petroleum jelly to prevent irritation. People can stock up on Vaseline at places like Boots, Superdrug and other health retailers. Products vary in price, starting from as little as £1.80 for a small container. What else does the NHS suggest? - Wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen from getting into your nose and eyes - Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible - Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth - Try to use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car, if you have one, and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner The NHS advises that people should shower and change their clothes as soon as they arrive home. Washing removes pollen that has built up on your skin and scalp before it can trigger an allergic reaction. By changing, you can prevent pollen from settling on soft furnishings such as sofas and carpets, significantly reducing your overall exposure to allergens indoors. It's worth avoiding a bath, however, as the water can trap pollen floating on the surface, depositing it back onto your skin. While the warmer weather may seem like the perfect opportunity to dry your laundry outside rather than indoors, it can also trigger hay fever symptoms — even if those garments aren't worn outside. Fabric fibres, particularly those found in cotton, linen, towels and clothing, can easily collect pollen when hung on washing lines, balconies and garden drying racks, all of which are exposed to airborne pollen, especially on warm, breezy days. Pollen absorbed by laundry can also aggravate hay fever symptoms once brought inside, even several hours after the initial exposure. For more help and advice on dealing with hay fever, go to the NHS website here.